Stunting remains a major public health issue in Indonesia. The 2023 Indonesian Health Survey reveals that 21.6% of children under five experience stunting, which equates to 1 in 5 children. This alarming figure underscores the urgent need for effective interventions to combat stunting and improve child nutrition nationwide.

Stunting, a chronic condition caused by prolonged malnutrition, negatively affects physical growth and cognitive development in children. It limits their potential and hinders their ability to succeed academically, making it harder for Indonesia to realize its vision of a “Golden Generation” by 2045.

To address this challenge, PT Sarihusada Generasi Mahardhika (Sarihusada), in collaboration with Alodokter, launched the “3 Langkah MAJU (3LM)” campaign on National Nutrition Day, January 25, 2025. The initiative targets early stunting detection and prevention, aiming to screen one million children across Indonesia by 2025.

The “3 Langkah MAJU” campaign emphasizes three critical steps for parents:

1. Measure: Regularly track children’s height and weight to monitor growth.
2. Consult: Seek medical advice from healthcare professionals to assess nutritional status.
3. Provide: Ensure children receive clinically proven nutrition for optimal development.

Dr. Novitria Dwinanda, a pediatric specialist, explains that stunting is caused by several factors. These include low parental awareness of proper nutrition during pregnancy, improper complementary feeding (MPASI), and limited access to healthcare services for growth monitoring. Moreover, societal stigma around stunting often leads parents to deny or downplay their children’s condition, further delaying interventions.

Early detection through regular screenings is crucial in preventing long-term consequences of stunting. By identifying growth deficits early, healthcare providers can implement timely interventions such as nutritional supplementation, dietary changes, and intensive monitoring. Dr. Novitria emphasizes that referrals to proper stunting therapy can significantly improve a child’s nutritional status and prevent further complications.

Sarihusada’s campaign builds on its “Generasi Maju Bebas Stunting (GMBS)” initiative launched in 2023. The company aims to strengthen community awareness and encourage collaborative efforts among families, healthcare professionals, and local communities to tackle stunting.

Angelia Susanto, Healthcare Nutrition Marketing & Strategy Director at Danone SN Indonesia, expressed optimism about the campaign. “We believe that by targeting one million children with early screening, we can assist the government in reducing stunting rates and ensuring appropriate interventions are made to secure the future of Indonesia’s children,” she said.

The 3LM campaign underscores the importance of collaboration in addressing public health challenges. By focusing on education, early detection, and proven nutrition, Sarihusada and Alodokter aim to create a healthier future for Indonesian children and help achieve the nation’s long-term goals.

Together, through these efforts, Indonesia can pave the way for a stunting-free generation.