Gasing Nekmese Phase 5 Program - DANONE INDONESIA

In the final quarter of 2023, Danone Indonesia, in collaboration with the Community Care Network (JPM) Foundation, initiated the implementation of the GASING NEKMESE Program (Healthy Generation Free from Stunting through Family Nutrition Education Towards Health) in two villages in Loura Sub-district, Southwest Sumba Regency, namely Karuni Village and Ramadana Village. These two villages are designated as stunting priority locations by the Southwest Sumba Regency Government due to their high stunting prevalence. The local government of Southwest Sumba Regency has undertaken various efforts, including data collection, growth monitoring and weighing, family assistance through the Family Hope Program (PKH), and the provision of 90-day Supplementary Feeding Programs (PMT). The regency government remains committed to reducing stunting through a convergent and multi-sectoral approach involving multiple stakeholders. Discussions with the Vice Regent of Southwest Sumba Regency in October and November 2023 revealed that the high prevalence of stunting is largely driven by shifts in dietary patterns—from nutritious local foods to instant and ready-to-eat products—limited attention to child nutrition, and inadequate infrastructure, particularly related to access to clean water and sanitation.

   In Kupang Regency, stunting prevalence declined significantly from 45% in 2018 to 12.9% in August 2023. Danone Indonesia and the Community Care Network (JPM) Foundation have actively supported the Kupang Regency Government through the implementation of the GASING NEKMESE Program in 20 villages, including 12 villages in West Kupang Sub-district. The program has contributed to measurable outcomes, including reduced stunting prevalence, the establishment of family nutrition gardens, and catfish aquaculture initiatives to improve household nutrition and livelihoods. The GASING NEKMESE Phase 5 Program in Southwest Sumba Regency includes assistance in six villages across three sub-districts, with the formation of Village Stunting Monitoring Teams to track the growth and development of children affected by stunting. The program also collaborates with Nusa Cendana University (Undana) Kupang to deliver educational activities, as well as with local media for program dissemination and public awareness.

For the phase-out stage in Kupang Regency, the program will continue through funding support from village funds, ongoing collaboration with Nusa Cendana University, and sustained support from community health centers (puskesmas) and relevant government agencies, including the Department of Agriculture, Department of Fisheries, and Department of Public Works and Housing (PUPR). Coordination meetings involving all relevant Regional Government Organizations (OPD) will be conducted to map out sustainability support and align each stakeholder’s contribution with available resources and existing programs.