Papuaaround.com – The Papua Provincial Government has recognized three regions for achieving the best results in the 2025 provincial-level performance assessment on accelerating stunting reduction.
Jayapura City secured the top position, followed by Jayapura Regency in second place, and Mamberamo Raya Regency in third. The assessment aimed to measure the effectiveness of regional programs in addressing stunting, a key public health concern.
Papua’s Assistant II to the Regional Secretary, Setiyo Wahyudi, expressed appreciation to all participating regional governments, including six other regencies that demonstrated strong performance. He emphasized that the accomplishment should serve not only as a source of pride but also as encouragement to maintain and further improve outcomes.
“This effort must be sustained. Reducing stunting is a priority development agenda and requires commitment from all sectors, not just the health sector,” Setiyo stated in Jayapura.
He explained that the measures implemented involve a combination of nutrition interventions, improved access to quality healthcare services, and strengthened public education. These strategies aim to address both the immediate and underlying causes of stunting, which can have long-term impacts on children’s growth and cognitive development.
However, Setiyo acknowledged that changing cultural habits and daily practices that do not support healthy lifestyles remains the greatest challenge. In many communities, traditional dietary patterns and limited awareness about balanced nutrition can hinder progress.
To overcome these obstacles, the provincial government is intensifying campaigns on balanced nutrition, exclusive breastfeeding, and clean and healthy living habits. These initiatives target households and local communities, encouraging them to actively participate in creating a healthier environment.
“Communities need to feel they are part of the solution, not merely the recipients of programs,” Setiyo stressed.
The Papua Provincial Government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cross-sector collaboration, involving agencies in health, education, agriculture, and social affairs to ensure the stunting reduction program remains consistent and impactful. Authorities believe that such integrated efforts are crucial for ensuring better health outcomes for children in the province.
Officials also noted that consistent monitoring and evaluation are essential to track progress and identify areas for improvement. By focusing on preventive measures and involving local leaders, the province aims to foster long-term behavioral changes that will reduce stunting rates in the coming years.
The government views stunting reduction as an investment in human capital, contributing to the future quality of Papua’s younger generation. With continued cooperation between regional administrations, community stakeholders, and the public, Papua hopes to achieve significant and sustainable progress.
The recognition of the top-performing regions reflects the province’s broader strategy of encouraging competition and innovation among local governments. By celebrating these achievements, Papua seeks to inspire other regions to adopt effective practices and join the collective effort to eliminate stunting.