Building a healthy, stunting-free generation is a shared responsibility, and that commitment must be maintained not only through feeding programs but also through everyday habits.

Despite being home to the world’s third-highest level of biodiversity, millions of Indonesian children still grow up suffering from malnutrition. Their growth and development are compromised by what is known as the triple burden of malnutrition: undernutrition (including stunting and wasting), overweight and obesity, and micronutrient deficiencies. Among these challenges, stunting remains the most alarming due to its persistently high prevalence in Indonesia.

This issue is not a recent concern, nor is it one that can be solved overnight. However, there is reason for optimism. Over the past decade, Indonesia has demonstrated that progress is possible. Rates of stunting and other forms of childhood malnutrition have declined significantly thanks to consistent nutrition policies and intervention programs. Nevertheless, the journey toward eliminating nutritional challenges remains long, and the root causes are far more complex than simply a lack of food.

Meeting Nutritional Needs During Growth Years

From the very first days of life, many Indonesian children face less-than-ideal conditions. According to UNICEF Indonesia, three out of ten infants do not receive exclusive breastfeeding, while nearly half of all children under five do not receive a balanced diet to support their growth and development. Even before birth, poor maternal nutrition contributes to one in sixteen babies being born with a below-normal birth weight.

Data from the Global Hunger Index (GHI) further illustrate the challenge. Indonesia ranks 70th out of 123 countries, with a score of 14.6, placing it in the category of moderate hunger according to the 2025 Global Hunger Index. This score is based on four key indicators: 6.3% of the population suffers from undernourishment, 22.6% of children under five are stunted, 8.4% experience wasting, and 2.1% die before reaching the age of five.

These challenges often continue into adolescence, particularly because of the occurrence of growth spurts, which can happen at various stages of development. A growth spurt is a period of rapid physical growth and brain development that occurs suddenly and lasts for a relatively short time, ranging from several days to about a week. Since every child follows a unique growth pattern, growth spurts may occur at different times, from infancy through puberty and even up to the age of 18.

When children experience any of the three forms of malnutrition, it becomes a significant obstacle to human capital development in Indonesia. Chronic undernutrition not only affects a child’s height but also influences brain development, learning ability, productivity, and overall quality of life in the future. Therefore, stunting prevention efforts must be carried out continuously through the provision of balanced nutrition from an early age.

The school years represent a golden window of growth. During this period, nutritional requirements must be met optimally to support both physical and cognitive development. One of the most strategic ways to achieve this is by ensuring that children receive nutritious and balanced school lunches.

In this context, animal protein plays a particularly important role. Numerous studies have shown that animal protein contains essential amino acids required by the body to support tissue growth, brain development, and the formation of a strong immune system.

Among the various sources of animal protein available, poultry products such as chicken meat and eggs are among the most accessible options for Indonesian families. They are widely available, relatively affordable, and can be prepared into a variety of dishes that appeal to children.

This article is an excerpt from the Post-Harvest section of Poultry Indonesia Magazine, June 2026 edition. Read the full article in Poultry Indonesia Magazine June 2026 edition. For subscriptions or further information, contact: https://wa.me/+6287780120754 or sirkulasipoultry@gmail.com.

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