Universitas Indonesia (UI), through the Physiotherapy Study Program of the Vocational Education Program, has made an important breakthrough in an effort to reduce stunting rates in the Seribu Islands. Through a community service program (pengmas), themed “Sehat Bestari” (Sepanjang Hayat Bergerak Bersama Fisioterapi, or Moving Throughout Life with Physiotherapy), UI focuses on preventing anemia in adolescents, as a preventive measure to reduce the prevalence of stunting in the region.
Based on data from the 2022 Indonesian Nutritional Status Survey (SSGI) released by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, the prevalence of stunting in the Seribu Islands reached 20.50%, which is included in the medium category. This condition encouraged UI to take concrete steps in overcoming the problem of malnutrition which is still a challenge in the area.
The community service activity held at SMPN 133 Jakarta, Seribu Islands, involved socialization, counseling, and hemoglobin examination using hemoglobin test strips to detect anemia. In addition, the community service team also distributed the pocketbook, “Antisipasi Anemia untuk Mencegah Stunting” (Anticipating Anemia to Prevent Stunting) as a guide for students in living a healthy lifestyle.
Head of the Community Service Program, Riza Pahlawi, Str.Ftr., M.Kes., explained that anemia prevention can be started with a healthy diet rich in iron, nutritional supplementation, a healthy lifestyle such as regular exercise, and avoiding smoking. “Through a series of healthy lifestyles, it is hoped that students of SMPN 133 Jakarta can implement anemia prevention, so that the stunting rate in the Seribu Islands area can be reduced,” said Riza.
Meanwhile, the Principal of SMPN 133 Jakarta, Edi Sumardi, M.Pd., and all students welcomed the community service activity enthusiastically and positively. According to him, the community service program is very important because the majority of students suffer from anemia. In fact, there are students who are being treated because their HB levels are below 5.
“I hope that this program will continue and expand to the surrounding areas in the Seribu Islands. In addition, students of SMPN 133 Jakarta also gain new knowledge, especially regarding a healthy lifestyle and the right steps to avoid anemia,” said Edi.
The evaluation results from the pre and post-tests showed an increase in awareness and knowledge of SMPN 133 Jakarta students regarding anemia by more than 80%. This indicates the success of the program in increasing students’ understanding of the importance of preventing anemia.
“We are committed to continuing to contribute to reducing the prevalence of stunting, especially in the Seribu Islands, as well as supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially the Good Health and Well-Being point,” said Riza.
The “Sehat Bestari” program is expected to be a model for similar initiatives in other regions, as part of Universitas Indonesia’s commitment to creating a healthy young generation.
