Implementation of Policy to Accelerate Stunting Reduction through Supplementary Feeding Program (PMT) in Warudoyong district, Sukabumi City

Abstract

Stunting is a serious health issue in Indonesia that hinders children's physical growth and cognitive development. The Warudoyong subdistrict in Sukabumi City saw a 5.76% increase in stunting cases in 2023, rising to 7.50% in 2024. This study aims to examine the implementation of policies to accelerate the reduction of stunting through the Supplementary Feeding Program (PMT) and to identify factors that hinder the effectiveness of its implementation. The method used is qualitative descriptive with an approach based on Van Meter and Van Horn's policy implementation theory, covering six main variables. Data collection was conducted through observation, documentation, and in-depth interviews with six informants from various related sectors. The results of the study indicate that the implementation of the PMT program has shown a fairly good structure with cross-sectoral support, technical guidelines, and community involvement. However, the effectiveness of the program is still constrained by limited budgets, low parental nutrition literacy, socioeconomic challenges, and inadequate environmental sanitation. Community participation is also uneven, so the program's benefits are not yet optimal. This study contributes to mapping the barriers to PMT policy implementation at the local level and offers innovations in the form of community-based nutrition education approaches, ongoing training for health cadres, and multisectoral funding integration as strategies to improve the sustainability and impact of the program in the future.