Stunting Hinders Indonesia's Chance to Advance, Health Minister Says
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18 October 2023 08:51 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin mentioned that stunting would hinder Indonesia's chance to become a developed country. According to the minister, Indonesia ought to harness the opportunity from the demographic bonus. These opportunities would be optimal if the children were healthy and bright.
A developed country is defined by the World Bank as countries with income per capita higher than US$12,500. Budi also said one of the indicators for a developed country is the average income of its people per month is Rp15 million.
"In 2030, to reach the Rp15 million income per month, Indonesians must be healthy and bright. Because, if they're not bright, it's not possible to have an Rp15 million income. If they're not healthy, there's no chance they're bright," he said during an event in Banten on Tuesday, October 17, 2023.
Budi stated that Stunting cases in this country reached 21 percent this year, equal to 5 million children from the total of 25 million children in Indonesia. "Meaning, they will grow into adults with a below-average intelligence level. They're not smart, so an Rp15 million income will not be possible. Indonesia won't become a developed country if that's the case," he said.
According to Budi, Indonesia only has one chance to move up the ranks and become a developed country with the peak of demographic bonus in 2030. "So, hopefully in 2030, we have a great minister of health, minister of education, and president. Because it's impossible to achieve it without them," he added.
Therefore, he is inviting all stakeholders to suppress stunting in Indonesia to move towards becoming a developed country with healthy and bright children.
YOHANES MAHARSO JOHARSOYO
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