RRI.CO.ID, Gianyar - The Gianyar Regency Administration is intensifying its efforts to eliminate childhood stunting by launching a specialized milk distribution program. This initiative aims to build on its status as one of Indonesia's top-performing regions in nutritional health.

As reported by Antara, this new initiative officially commenced on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. It serves as a strategic move to further lower the regency's stunting prevalence to a target of 4.5 percent by the end of the year.

This target follows a period of significant progress where the region's stunting rate dropped from 6.3 percent in 2022 to 5.4 percent in 2024. This achievement secured Gianyar the second-lowest stunting rate nationally according to the 2024 Indonesian Nutritional Status Survey (SSGI).

The first phase of this intervention targets 115 specific toddlers across various villages. These locations include Singakerta in Ubud, Puhu and Kelusa in Payangan, Taro and Kedisan in Tegallalang, as well as Pejeng Kaja and Manukaya in Tampaksiring.

Each recipient has undergone a rigorous medical screening and is scheduled to receive additional nutritional support in the form of milk for a duration of six months. This localized effort is part of a broader national program to accelerate stunting reduction while optimizing regional expenditure for specific nutritional interventions.

Chairperson of the Gianyar Regency Integrated Health Service Post for pregnant woman, infants, and toddlers (Posyandu) Driving Team, Surya Adnyani Mahayastra, emphasized that the program is strictly data-driven to ensure maximum impact.

“The distribution of milk refers to the results of examinations and recommendations from nutritionists, so that the assistance provided is on target and in accordance with the needs of the child,” said Surya during the launch in Gianyar.

She further noted that the program is a collaborative effort involving various stakeholders, including regional agencies and community-based volunteers like Family Welfare Movement (PKK) and Posyandu cadres.

Beyond direct health benefits, Gianyar’s consistent performance in public health has gained national recognition and financial support. The regency recently received a fiscal incentive of IDR 5.6 billion (USD 355,000) from the Indonesian Home Affairs Ministry as a reward for its success in reducing stunting rates.

This funding is being integrated into the region's comprehensive Additional Food Provision (PMT) strategy. The program focuses on optimizing the growth and development of toddlers through sustainable community-based interventions. ***