Penajam Paser Utara, East Kalimantan, November 8, 2024 - To commemorate its 39th Anniversary, the Faculty of Nursing (FoN) at the University of Indonesia (UI) held an early stunting prevention programme in the Capital City of the Archipelago (IKN), East Kalimantan, on November 6-8, 2024. The programme took place at SDN 020 Sepaku, Penajam Paser Utara, and involved more than 250 elementary school students.  

The programme aims to raise awareness about the importance of stunting prevention from an early age. The students were chosen as the main target as they will be the future generation of parents. This activity includes a comprehensive health check, such as anthropometric measurements (weight and height) and blood haemoglobin (Hb) level checks. Hb checks are very important, especially for girls who have entered the menstrual period, to prevent anaemia which contributes to the risk of stunting.  

‘This early examination aims to monitor the nutritional status and health of children and early detect potential nutritional problems,’ said Ners Indah Permata Sari, Chairperson of Community Service FoN UI.  

In addition to physical examinations, the programme also provides education on the importance of balanced nutrition. This education aims to increase children's understanding of a nutritious and balanced diet and form healthy living habits from an early age.  

Children are taught the importance of consuming foods that contain carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals in the right proportions to support growth and development. They are also given examples of healthy everyday foods, such as vegetables, fruits, fish, eggs, and whole grains, and are taught the importance of reducing fast food and foods high in sugar. In addition, the education emphasised the importance of drinking enough water and maintaining a regular diet to maintain energy and health.  

With this understanding, children are expected to build sustainable healthy eating habits, which not only support physical health but also prevent nutritional problems such as malnutrition and obesity in the future.

During the activity, students were taught proper handwashing habits through an interactive demonstration with the song ‘6 Steps to Handwashing’. ‘This activity is not only educational but also fun, with the children following each step enthusiastically,’ said Pujianto, Principal of SDN 020 Sepaku.  

FoN UI also provides special education to girls on hygiene during menstruation, including how to maintain body hygiene, change sanitary pads regularly, and dispose of them properly. This education aims to equip girls with basic knowledge about personal hygiene to protect their health and the environment.  

Hygiene education during menstruation is designed to give girls an in-depth understanding of the importance of maintaining health and hygiene during menstruation. In this session, they are taught how to properly clean their intimate areas using clean water and mild soap to prevent infection. The habit of washing hands before and after changing pads is also emphasised as a simple yet important step to maintain hygiene.  

In addition, girls are educated on the importance of changing pads every 4 hours, especially when blood flow is heavy, to prevent skin irritation, infection or bad odour. It also teaches the steps to properly dispose of used sanitary pads, such as wrapping them tightly before throwing them into a closed bin. This aims to keep the environment clean and prevent the spread of bacteria.    

In addition, on 7 November 2024, the UI community service team also conducted health checks and education for more than 450 construction workers in the IKN area. The programme was supported by the UI Directorate of Community Service and Empowerment, the IKN Authority, and ILUNI UI.  

This program is expected to have a real impact in preventing stunting in Indonesia, especially in the IKN region. By increasing nutrition and health awareness from an early age, FoN UI hopes to produce a healthier, more productive and qualified future generation.  

Furthermore, this programme is the first step towards equitable health services in remote areas. ‘We hope this initiative can inspire more parties to collaborate in reducing stunting rates in Indonesia, while improving the quality of life of children as the nation's next generation,’ added Ners Indah.  

This activity is also expected to strengthen the relationship between the university, the community, and the government in creating positive change. ‘Through programmes like this, we want to show that higher education institutions do not only focus on academics but also contribute directly to society,’ Indah said.

The success of this programme demonstrates FoN UI's commitment to supporting stunting prevention efforts in Indonesia. This activity is part of an integrated community service programme of three faculties at UI, namely the Faculty of Nursing Science, Faculty of Medicine, and Faculty of Dentistry.  

With this program, FoN UI hopes to make a sustainable contribution to building a healthier and stunting-free generation of Indonesians, in line with the big vision of IKN's development as a new centre of civilisation.