Pekalongan–
Evaluation of Supplementary Feeding Program Reveals Stunting Challenges in
Pekalongan. Research conducted by Maisyahunnuha Isnada, Yuniarti, Dewi
Nugraheni, and Ardiana Priharwanti from Pekalongan University was published in
the International Journal of Integrated Science and Technology (IJIST) Vol. 4
No. 2 (February 2026).
The
research conducted by Maisyahunnuha Isnada, Yuniarti, Dewi Nugraheni, and
Ardiana Priharwanti from Pekalongan University revealed that the implementation
of specific nutritional interventions, specifically the Supplementary Feeding
Program (PMT) for pregnant women with Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED) and
toddlers, has been ongoing but is not yet optimal.
Stunting
Remains a Local Concern
Nationally,
Indonesia’s stunting prevalence declined from 24.4% in 2021 to 19.8% in 2024.
However, the Doro 2 Health Center area has not yet reached the national target
of below 14%.
In
2024, of 791 toddlers measured, 175 children (22.12%) were classified as short
or severely short. Among children under two years old, 63 (16.98%) were
stunted.
Several
villages, including Pungangan and Harjosari, recorded relatively high rates.
These figures indicate a gap between national policy achievements and local
implementation outcomes.
Focus
on Pregnant Women with CED and Toddlers
The
Supplementary Feeding Program (PMT) is a key specific nutrition intervention.
Pregnant women with Chronic Energy Deficiency face a higher risk of delivering
low birth weight infants, a known risk factor for stunting. For toddlers, PMT
aims to improve nutritional status and support optimal growth.
However,
two indicators have not reached targets:
- Supplementary
feeding for pregnant women with CED
- Local
supplementary feeding for toddlers
Key
obstacles include limited budget allocation, inconsistency in food
distribution, and uneven family understanding of balanced nutrition.
Method:
Policy Implementation Analysis
The
study uses a qualitative descriptive approach based on George C. Edward III’s
policy implementation framework, examining four dimensions:
1️Communication
2️Resources
3️Implementer disposition
4️Bureaucratic structure
Informants
were selected purposively and included the head of the health center,
coordinating midwife, nutrition officers, posyandu (community health post)
cadres, pregnant women with CED, and mothers of stunted toddlers.
Data
were collected through in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation,
then analyzed using the Miles and Huberman interactive model.
Communication:
Active but Uneven
Communication
has been conducted through counseling sessions, posyandu services, and home
visits. A hands-on practice approach—where mothers are shown real food
examples—was considered more effective than theoretical explanations.
However,
communication effectiveness varies. Barriers include:
- Strong
influence of local myths
- Limited
health literacy
- Economic
constraints
- Children’s
eating behavior
General
information without practical solutions was found to be less effective.
Intensive, family-based assistance improved maternal understanding and
motivation.
Resources:
Available but Limited
The
study found that health personnel and facilities are generally available.
Nevertheless, several constraints persist:
- Inconsistent
quality and quantity of PMT
- Budget
limitations
- Limited
supporting facilities
Some
informants reported that the PMT provided was adequate and met nutritional
needs. However, limited resources risk reducing service quality and influencing
community perceptions of the program’s benefits.
Resources
not only affect technical implementation but also impact participation and
compliance levels.
Target
Attitudes Vary
Disposition
among program beneficiaries differs.
Several
mothers reported feeling supported and motivated, especially when family
members provided encouragement. These participants regularly attended posyandu
sessions and followed nutritional recommendations.
Others
perceived limited benefits from the program. Barriers such as transportation
costs, children’s refusal to eat, and less satisfactory service experiences
affected compliance.
On
the implementation side, health workers demonstrated strong commitment, which
serves as a key strength in maintaining program continuity.
Bureaucratic
Structure Relatively Clear
The
service flow, task division, and posyandu schedules are structured and follow
established procedures. Many informants understood the data collection and PMT
distribution mechanisms and knew which officers were responsible.
A
clear bureaucratic structure fosters trust and encourages participation.
However, consistent field-level implementation remains essential to prevent
distribution irregularities.
Strengthening
Strategies Needed
The
study concludes that specific nutrition interventions at Doro 2 Health Center
are ongoing but require strengthening in three primary areas:
- Improving
the quality and intensity of communication
- Enhancing
resource consistency and distribution reliability
- Applying
more adaptive and personalized approaches
Continuous
mentoring and practical, context-sensitive solutions are essential to
accelerate stunting reduction at the local level.
Author
Profiles
- Maisyahunnuha Isnada-Pekalongan University
- Yuniarti- Pekalongan University
- Dewi Nugraheni- Pekalongan University
- Ardiana Priharwanti- Pekalongan University
Research
Source
Isnada, M., Yuniarti, Nugraheni, D., & Priharwanti, A. (2026). Implementation of Specific Nutrition Interventions in the Supplementary Feeding of Pregnant Women and Supplementary Feeding of Toddlers in the Working Area of the Doro 2 Health Center, Pekalongan Regency. International Journal of Integrated Science and Technology (IJIST), Vol. 4 No. 2, 82–95.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59890/ijist.v4i2.276
URL:
https://ntlmultitechpublisher.my.id/index.php/ijist
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