Ruang Tumbuh: Addressing Stunting Issues through Holistic Solutions and Collaboration

Jakarta, August 26, 2024 – BUMN Foundation has re-launched its transformative program, “Ruang Tumbuh,” which is designed as a comprehensive solution to address maternal and child health issues, especially the problem of stunting. In 2020, as many as 149 million children in the world experienced stunting, and 6.3 million of them were Indonesian children. The impact of stunting will be borne by these children for life. Therefore, in order to produce a better generation and achieve Indonesia Emas 2045, this stunting problem needs special attention.

Maternal malnutrition has a significant impact on stunting in children. The BUMN Foundation believes that handling stunting can be done effectively by optimizing the role of integrated health posts and other support systems. With a holistic approach, integrated health posts can function as a center for the growth and development of children, parents, and integrated health post cadres.

The “Ruang Tumbuh” program began with a pilot project in two areas in Jakarta, a metropolitan city marked by social inequality. Behind the splendor of the city, there are still villages that require special attention in handling stunting. Realizing this urgency, Mr. Erick Thohir challenged the BUMN Foundation team to immediately make “Ruang Tumbuh” a flagship program (quick win) by inviting experts in nutrition, parenting, child development, spatial planning, as well as nutrition training and monitoring facilitators to collaborate in formulating appropriate programs that can be implemented in various regions in Indonesia.

Responding to the challenge, the BUMN Foundation together with collaborators launched a pilot program "Growing Room" in the areas of Jakarta, namely Kelapa Gading and Gandaria Selatan, with a design adjusted to the direction of the Minister of BUMN. This program involves various collaborators, including Parentalk, Sahabat Gizi, Jak Sehat, Edukazi, Pupla Project, 1000 Days Funds, and is supported by the Temasek Foundation, Mind.id, and Arummi.

In the inauguration of one of the integrated health posts in the RW 03 Pegangsaan Dua area, North Jakarta, Mr. Erick Thohir stated, "Through the Ruang Tumbuh program, we strive to create a better future for Indonesian children. The BUMN Foundation is committed to optimizing the function and role of integrated health posts as centers for child growth and development."

The “Ruang Tumbuh” program is expected to be a model for handling stunting holistically and collaboratively, as well as an inspiration for similar initiatives in various regions in Indonesia. With the spirit of collaboration, the BUMN Foundation and its partners continue to strive to create a positive impact for future generations.