As part of its mandate in capacity building and community development, SEAMEO RECFON actively cooperates with various parties, both from government and non-government institutions. On January 8, 2020, representatives from SEAMEO RECFON held a meeting with the Deputy for Health Improvement Coordination from the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affair (Kemenko PMK) in Jakarta.
On this occasion, the SEAMEO RECFON team conveyed the activities that have been carried out in various regions in Indonesia and Southeast Asian countries related to efforts to reduce stunting. One of the activities discussed was the study and research of SEAMEO RECFON related to the use of cigarette excise funds for nutrition programs related to stunting alleviation and the implementation of Smoke-free Area in schools. The results of this study have been translated into practical policy recommendations. The Deputy welcomed these findings and recommendations as it is in line with findings from monitoring that has been conducted by the Ministry themselves.
Mr. Suprapto added, more technical and applicable recommendations are needed, especially for the local governments. To that end, the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affair appreciate the SEAMEO RECFON efforts in improving the regulations related to Smoke Free Area in schools and the use of cigarette excise funds for nutrition programs in order to meet the Indonesia’s ambitious target of reducing stunting prevalence to 14% by 2024.
