PANGKALPINANG -- Preventing and addressing stunting requires comprehensive interventions, ranging from adequate nutrition and healthy living environments to proper sanitation and effective parenting. PT TIMAH (Persero) Tbk supports these efforts through various social programs across the company’s operational areas.
Through collaboration with local governments and the National Population and Family Planning Agency (BKKBN), PT TIMAH participates in various programs targeting families at risk of stunting.
The support includes the Foster Parents Movement to Prevent Stunting (GENTING) Program, the construction of healthy sanitation facilities for families at risk of stunting, and efforts to strengthen parenting capacity through the Taman Asuh Sayang Anak (TAMASYA) program.
These interventions are part of the company’s efforts to support improvements in community quality of life while creating an environment that promotes optimal child growth and development toward Indonesia’s Golden Generation 2045.
Through the GENTING Program, PT TIMAH provided support for the construction of adequate housing for three beneficiary families in Ampui Urban Village, Pangkal Balam District, Pangkalpinang City. All three beneficiaries are families at risk of stunting.
The housing assistance is intended not only to provide safer and more comfortable homes, but also to create healthier living environments for the families.
Minister of Population and Family Development/Head of BKKBN Wihaji said housing conditions, sanitation, access to clean water, and the surrounding environment are important factors that must be addressed in stunting prevention efforts.
“One of the causes of stunting can indeed be inadequate housing. Therefore, sanitation, access to clean water, and living conditions must receive attention. Prevention must begin during the first 1,000 days of life,” Wihaji said during a recent working visit to Bangka Belitung.
According to him, collaboration between the government and the business sector is necessary to expand the reach of interventions for families in need. PT TIMAH is one of the organizations participating as a foster parent in the GENTING Program.
Similar support has also been provided by PT TIMAH in East Belitung Regency. In collaboration with the East Belitung Regency Office of Community and Village Empowerment, Population Control, and Family Planning (DPMDPPKB), the company supported the GENTING Program by constructing healthy sanitation facilities for two beneficiary families in Burung Mandi Village.
Both beneficiaries are families categorized as being at risk of stunting and previously did not have adequate bathing, washing, and toilet facilities. The provision of proper sanitation is expected to create a healthier living environment for these families.
Head of the East Belitung Regency DPMDPPKB Melta Indah Nurhayati said PT TIMAH is one of the partners actively supporting the implementation of the GENTING Program through both nutritional and non-nutritional assistance.
“Like other GENTING partners, PT TIMAH has been active in supporting the program through both nutritional and non-nutritional assistance,” Melta said.
Meanwhile, stunting prevention efforts have also been strengthened through improved childcare and parenting practices. PT TIMAH collaborated with the BKKBN Representative Office of the Bangka Belitung Islands Province and the West Bangka Regency Office of Population Control, Family Planning, Women’s Empowerment, and Child Protection (P2KBP3A) through the TAMASYA program.
The program provides guidance to parents and caregivers on quality, positive, and child-friendly parenting practices. The initiative is designed to strengthen the capacity of parents and caregivers to better understand children’s growth and development. Greater awareness of appropriate parenting practices from an early age is expected to support children’s developmental needs while also serving as a preventive measure against stunting.
Head of the West Bangka Regency P2KBP3A Office Sarbudiyono expressed his appreciation for PT TIMAH’s support of the TAMASYA program. According to him, families play an important role in shaping children’s character and supporting their growth and development.
“Young children need extraordinary attention from all parties, especially their families. The most important education begins within the family,” he said.
He expressed hope that collaboration among the government, business sector, families, and educational institutions will continue to be strengthened so that children can grow up in safe and supportive environments.
A similar view was expressed by Head of the KSPK Team at the BKKBN Representative Office of the Bangka Belitung Islands Province, Drs. Zuwaldi Batubara. He appreciated PT TIMAH’s contribution to various programs related to children’s growth and development.
“PT TIMAH has made an extraordinary contribution to supporting children’s growth and development. Its contribution is evident not only in West Bangka, but across the Bangka Belitung Islands Province in supporting children’s growth and development,” he said.
These initiatives demonstrate that stunting prevention can be addressed through a range of complementary approaches. Meeting nutritional needs must go hand in hand with access to adequate sanitation, healthy housing, improved parenting practices, and stronger family capacity. (*)
