Papua – Efforts to reduce stunting rates in Papua have entered a new phase with the launch of the Foster Parent Movement to Prevent Stunting, or Genting, by the Papua Provincial Government. This movement serves as tangible proof of the local government’s commitment to accelerate the reduction of stunting, which remains at 24.06 percent—higher than the national average of 19.8 percent. The program is not merely symbolic; it is a carefully planned strategy combining cross-sector collaboration spanning health, education, food security, and community empowerment.
Papua’s Deputy Governor, Aryoko Rumaropen, emphasized that Genting represents both a moral and social responsibility to restore Papua from its stunting emergency. In his speech at the launch held at the Papua Governor’s Office in Jayapura on Monday (10/11/2025), he stated that every Regional Government Agency (OPD) is now obliged to play an active role by integrating the program into their Employee Performance Targets (SKP). According to him, tackling stunting is not solely the responsibility of the Health Office; it must be a collective duty of all regional government agencies. “Everything is directed toward strengthening interventions for families and children vulnerable to stunting,” Aryoko said.
This cross-sector approach demonstrates that the Papua government is striving to build a sustainable stunting prevention ecosystem. In the education sector, for example, the program promotes nutrition literacy from school age. Meanwhile, in food security, the local government ensures access to nutritious food for poor families and remote areas. The Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Agency (DP3A) also plays a central role in implementing the movement, ensuring that gender mainstreaming (PUG) is consistently maintained and strengthened.
Aryoko stressed that this cross-sector collaboration is part of the 100-day government performance evaluation, which will be reviewed comprehensively at the end of the year. The evaluation will serve as a basis for designing strategic steps and strengthening programs in 2026. He expressed confidence that the active involvement of all government elements and communities will accelerate the achievement of stunting reduction targets in Papua. “DP3A has prepared technical qualifications and programs for the coming year. We want to ensure that technical roles in each OPD are solidified so that the 2026 programs are truly equitable,” he added.
The Foster Parent Movement is expected to serve as a bridge of social solidarity between well-off communities and vulnerable families and become part of a broader humanitarian movement in the Land of Cenderawasih. With this concrete initiative, Papua reaffirms its commitment to nurturing a healthy and strong generation capable of driving future development. Genting is not just a technocratic effort to reduce statistical figures; it reflects the collective spirit of building a stunting-free future for Papuan children, preparing them to compete nationally.