Success in Reducing Child Stunting and Malnutrition Rates in East Dumai District Marks 2024 HAN Celebration at Pertamina Dumai Refinery

Dumai, July 24, 2024 - The National Children's Day, celebrated annually on July 23, is a moment for many to reflect on children's rights and freedoms. One critical aspect is fulfilling the health and well-being of children by addressing issues such as malnutrition and stunting among children in Indonesia.

According to the Ministry of Health, the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey (SKI) shows the current stunting prevalence in Indonesia is 21.5%, a decrease of 0.1% compared to 2022, which was 21.6%. This issue is a major concern for all parties, including PT KPI Unit Dumai.

Through the Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL) program, Pertamina Dumai Refinery is committed to supporting the government in eradicating malnutrition among toddlers and pregnant women with chronic energy deficiency (CED) in East Dumai District through the Posyandu Sehati activities and the developing Posyandu cadres.

Agustiawan, Area Manager of Communication, Relations & CSR of PT KPI Unit Dumai, stated that the Posyandu Sehati program is a testament to Pertamina Dumai Refinery's commitment and efforts to assist the community around the first ring operation area.

"Our TJSL initiatives represent PT KPI Unit Dumai's commitment to sustainable business practices based on environmental and community well-being and dedication to community improvement through education and support," he emphasized.

Agustiawan explained that to reduce stunting and malnutrition rates among toddlers, children, and pregnant women with CED, PT KPI Unit Dumai has implemented a food and nutrition resilience program.

"Every month, we provide nutritional support for toddlers and pregnant women with CED, such as weighing, head circumference measurements, upper arm circumference measurements for pregnant women, and providing supplementary food (PMT)," he explained.

Through the TJSL program, Agustiawan reported that PT KPI Unit Dumai has successfully addressed stunting and malnutrition issues for 10 out of 24 affected children. Additionally, through the Sehati Group, PT KPI Unit Dumai has promoted self-sufficiency among Posyandu cadres through hydroponic activities and the construction of an off-grid solar power plant with a capacity of 2.2 kWp and 5 kWh battery storage via the Independent Energy Village (DEB) program.

Pertamina Dumai Refinery also offers parenting classes and nutritional consultations to Posyandu cadres and parents in East Dumai District. On the 2024 National Children's Day, PT KPI Unit Dumai, involving nutrition experts, held a "Parenting Class: Good Nutrition for Toddlers to Address Malnutrition and Stunting" at the East Dumai District Office Hall on Tuesday (23/7).

During the event, Monica Dean, S. Tr. GZ, a nutritionist from the Health Function of PT KPI Unit Dumai, explained to all participants that stunting prevention starts from the first 1,000 days of life, from pregnancy to the child’s second year.

Participants were given education on the benefits of iron tablets, exclusive breastfeeding, and the importance of nutritious foods for both mother and child, particularly during the complementary feeding period (MPASI). Parents and Posyandu Sehati cadres were also informed about MPASI menu variations and the importance of sanitation and clean and healthy living behaviors (PHBS) to prevent stunting.

Rosmaini, a resident of Jaya Mukti Village who attended the parenting class, stated that the education provided by PT KPI Unit Dumai added new knowledge to be more selective in providing food for her children.

"Alhamdulillah, this activity helps us understand what foods are good for children, including daily snacks, as child diseases are becoming more worrying," said her.

The Parenting Class event organized by PT KPI Unit Dumai was attended by the Secretary of East Dumai District, Robby Hermawan, S.STP, and the Head of the Mobilization Team of East Dumai District PKK, Irma Sufiana Zainur.

"We acknowledge that Pertamina RU II Dumai cares about our community. Pertamina helps Dumai City Government in reducing malnutrition and stunting rates, especially in East Dumai District," Robby Hermawan, S.STP, said in his speech.

He also reminded Posyandu cadres and parents to maintain children's health and monitor their nutrition.

"Let's keep our children healthy, avoid giving them street food, and, as much as possible, do not give them fast food," he concluded.

The implementation of the Posyandu Sehati program by PT KPI Unit Dumai aligns with Pertamina's Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) values and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including point 2 (Zero Hunger) and point 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

Fadjar Djoko Santoso, Vice President of Corporate Communication of Pertamina, stated that Pertamina has a "Pertamina Sehat" program encompassing various health programs aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals point 3, namely Good Health and Well-being.

"One of the focuses of the Pertamina Sehat program is maternal and child health, implemented through three flagship programs: Integrated Service Posts, Malnutrition Management, and Clean and Healthy Living Behavior," said Fadjar.

Pertamina, as a leading company in the energy transition, is committed to supporting the Net Zero Emission 2060 target by continuously promoting programs that directly impact the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) achievement. All these efforts align with Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) implementation across all Pertamina's business lines and operations.**