UNDIP, Tegal (22/1) – Stunting remains a major issue in Indonesia, including in Tegal City. Addressing stunting requires collective efforts from all components of the nation, working in collaboration. Therefore, the Doctoral Program in Public Health (DKM) of the Faculty of Public Health (FKM) at Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) carried out stunting prevention efforts through a Community Service Program (PKM) entitled “DKM Mengabdi, Tegal Ceria”, held in Slerok Subdistrict, East Tegal District, Tegal City, on January 15, 2025.
This activity represents UNDIP’s contribution and implementation of its institutional role, particularly through the DKM Study Program of FKM UNDIP, in strengthening community food security as part of stunting prevention efforts. This program aligns with UNDIP’s vision of becoming a university that is noble and valuable to society.
Through this community service initiative, DKM UNDIP students encouraged the use of affordable, nutritious local food, especially fish-based foods, as a source of animal protein. Educational sessions on balanced nutrition, food diversification, and healthy food processing were conducted to strengthen household food security and prevent stunting.
The PKM activities were carried out using an educational and participatory approach that attracted community involvement. The Vice Mayor of Tegal, Hj. Tazkiyatul Muthmainnah, S.K.M., M.Kes. attended the event. In her remarks, she emphasized the importance of accelerating stunting prevention programs through cross-sector collaboration and strengthening nutritional practices at the family level, particularly among vulnerable groups and families with toddlers.
The community service activity was also attended by stakeholders from various sectors, including representatives of the Tegal City Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda), the Head of Slerok Community Health Center, the Head of East Tegal District, and the Secretary of Slerok Subdistrict. Their presence demonstrated that the program received strong support not only from the community but also from the Tegal City Government and its agencies. This synergy reflects the community’s and the local government’s appreciation for UNDIP’s efforts—particularly those of the DKM Study Program of FKM UNDIP—in contributing to community welfare, strengthening food security, and alleviating poverty.
In his remarks, Yudhy Dharmawan, S.K.M., M.Kes., M.Sc., Ph.D., Secretary of the DKM Study Program at UNDIP, reaffirmed the program’s commitment to contributing to public health development, emphasizing that universities should not be perceived as “ivory towers.” He also expressed hope that the students involved would provide sustainable contributions to improving welfare and food security, particularly in Tegal City, as part of stunting prevention efforts.
dr. Emy Haryati, M.H.Kes., Cibtac., Cht., Head of the Slerok Community Health Center, appreciated the event. She thanked the Doctoral Program in Public Health (DKM) of Universitas Diponegoro for selecting RW 5 of Slerok Subdistrict as the location for the stunting prevention–themed community service program. She expressed hope that the activity would provide tangible contributions to strengthening knowledge capacity and encouraging active family involvement in monitoring and supporting toddlers’ growth and development.
Similarly, the Secretary of Slerok Subdistrict conveyed a welcome and appreciation to the FKM UNDIP team and the PKM team of DKM doctoral students for choosing Slerok as the site for the community service program. The Slerok Subdistrict Government expressed its readiness to support and facilitate the smooth implementation of all activities and hoped that the program would improve residents’ welfare.
A core session of the program provided participants with practical training, including proper anthropometric measurements (weight, height, mid-upper arm circumference, and head circumference) and guidance on interpreting growth charts in the Maternal and Child Health (KIA) handbook to monitor child growth trends. Education using the “My Plate” (Isi Piringku) concept was also delivered, emphasizing the importance of animal protein as a key strategy for stunting prevention. DKM UNDIP students presented the material in an accessible, cheerful, and relaxed manner.
The activities continued with a Fish-Based Food Creation Competition, with a budget limit of IDR 50,000, in which participants presented fish-based menu innovations to prevent stunting among toddlers. The event involved 25 mothers of toddlers and 25 companions, including family members and husbands, and was supported by health cadres and local community representatives. The lively event successfully enhanced families’ knowledge and skills in monitoring child growth and in preparing nutritious, realistic, and affordable meals to prevent stunting in Tegal City. (Public Communication/UNDIP/FKM Team, ed. As3)
Source: fkm.undip.ac.id