The Mandalika, September 10, 2024 - To actualize a strong generation, PT Pengembangan Pariwisata Indonesia or ITDC has launched a stunting prevention program at Prabu Village and a Reading Corner activity, part of the Mandalika Child Learning Center (CLC) program at Bazaar Mandalika, The Mandalika area, Pujut District, Central Lombok Regency, on Tuesday (10/9).
This stunting prevention program is ITDC's second initiative, following a similar program at Mertak Village in 2023, which involved 10 children. This year, the program targets 32 children in Prabu Village, comprising 10 children in Wasting category and 22 in Stunting category. Over the next 56 days, these children will receive daily nutrient-dense food supplements. In addition, to assist the food quality enhancing program, ITDC focuses on health education for parents to improve their understanding of healthy diets that support children's growth and development. The program also includes cooking demonstrations to enrich mothers' skills in preparing nutritious meals for their children.
According to 2023 data from the National Population and Family Planning Board (BKKBN) of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Province, 1,680 children are at risk of stunting in Pujut District, with 698 of them coming from villages surrounding The Mandalika, including Prabu Village. Acknowledging this, ITDC is committed to making a positive impact on children's nutrition and health through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs.
In implementing this program, ITDC has been collaborated with some key stakeholders, including the Lombok Tengah Regency Family Welfare Empowerment (PKK), Prabu Village Government, Kuta Health Center, and the Indonesia Chef Association of NTB Province. The highlight of this program is the involvement of Chef Anton Sugiono, NTB's Ambassador for Stunting Prevention, who provides cooking education for healthy and nutritious meals in coordination with nutritionists from the Kuta Health Center.
ITDC Corporate Secretary Group Head, Million Sekarsari, stated, “We believe that addressing stunting requires a collaborative and sustainable approach. ITDC is committed to supporting stunting prevention through programs that not only focus on providing supplementary food but also educate parents on the importance of a healthy diet for child growth. Through this program, we hope to make a real contribution in reducing stunting rates in villages surrounding The Mandalika, such as Prabu Village.”
Since 2023, ITDC has been actively running social programs focused on community health. In Mertak Village, 6 out of 10 children who received assistance showed significant health improvements and were no longer underweight. Building on this success, ITDC is launching this year's stunting prevention program in Prabu Village, aiming to have a similar positive impact. The program is complemented by community education to raise awareness and understanding of the importance of children's nutrition and health.
Meanwhile, the Reading Corner activity, part of the Mandalika Child Learning Center (CLC) program at Bazaar Mandalika, is a collaboration between ITDC, the Gugah Nurani Indonesia (GNI) Foundation, and the Lombok Tengah Regional Government. This program aims to improve literacy among children in The Mandalika area by providing a mobile library, making it easier for children to access educational books. The event also featured a coloring contest for kindergarten children and a reading session led by a Reading Ambassador, making it a fun and educational experience.
“ITDC is committed to actively contributing to reducing the prevalence of stunting and fostering children's literacy in The Mandalika area through a comprehensive approach. These stunting prevention and Reading Corner activities reflect our commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility as the manager of The Mandalika tourism area. By investing in the health and well-being of the community, we believe we are laying a strong foundation for a better future, both for the local community and The Mandalika as a premier tourist destination,” Million concluded.