Jakarta, July 20, 2024, The Europe Today: Indonesian National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has collaborated with two private universities to introduce Simonting, an application designed for monitoring stunting, as part of efforts to enhance national stunting reduction programs.
Yanuar Farida Wismayanti, Head of BRIN’s Public Policy Research Center (PRKP), highlighted the strategic importance of stunting research as a national priority. “Research and innovation are crucial to advancing stunting reduction initiatives,” she emphasized during a statement on Saturday.
The initiative builds upon previous research conducted in 2022-2023, which revealed significant implications of stunting on children’s future development. Wismayanti noted a critical gap in parenting and health service patterns, emphasizing the need for comprehensive tools to support stunted children effectively.
“This collaboration focuses on monitoring stunted children through the Simonting app, integrated with government-led stunting reduction programs,” Wismayanti explained. Developed by Muhammadiyah University in Jember, the app facilitates data collection by health workers and integrated health posts (Posyandu).
BRIN expanded its stunting studies this year to Jember, East Java, and Magelang, Central Java, involving local private universities in joint research efforts. The initiative aims to inform public policies and government interventions in collaboration with local partners, including regional development planning agencies (Bappeda) and health offices.
“We are optimistic that the outcomes of this collaborative research will significantly contribute to national efforts in reducing stunting,” Wismayanti concluded.
