Category: Deputy II

Medan – The Executive Office of the President (KSP) has issued a strong call for improved program coordination by the Acceleration Team for Stunting Reduction (TPPS) at the provincial and district levels. This urgent appeal seeks to enhance the effectiveness of interventions and aims to achieve a significant 14% reduction in stunting prevalence by 2024. The KSP emphasizes the crucial importance of aligning efforts and resources to combat the persistent issue of stunting among children in Indonesia.

“Extra efforts are required to reach the target of a 14% reduction in stunting prevalence. One aspect that we believe needs improvement is the program synchronization carried out by the TPPS at the regional level,” stated dr. Brian Sri Prahastuti, a Senior Advisor of KSP, during a visit in Medan, North Sumatra, on Friday (9/6).

She also emphasized that in addition to the synchronization challenges faced by the TPPS, there are several other obstacles that must be overcome to achieve the targeted 14% reduction in stunting. Insufficient funding for targeted nutrition interventions, suboptimal implementation of regulatory frameworks, and the limited effectiveness of Posyandu services and family resilience have all contributed to the persistence of this issue.

She, then, underscored the critical importance of strengthening Posyandu services, which serve as crucial platforms for delivering comprehensive healthcare to children and families. She called for an increase in the allocation of budgets specifically designated for nutrition interventions, emphasizing the need to provide locally sourced supplementary food (PMT) to address nutritional deficiencies effectively. Furthermore, he emphasized the utilization of Electronic-Based Government Systems (SPBE) as a tool to ensure consistency and integration of data and information, facilitating better monitoring and evaluation of interventions.

“We need consistency and integration of the data and information provided through the SPBE. Currently, there are discrepancies in various information or data, making it difficult to monitor the progress,” explained dr. Brian.

During her visit, dr. Brian commended the remarkable achievements of the TPPS in North Sumatra, where they successfully managed to reduce stunting prevalence by an impressive 4.7% in 2022. Recognizing the effectiveness of their strategies and interventions, she expressed optimism that these successful practices can serve as a model for other regions to follow. By replicating these approaches, it is hoped that significant strides can be made in reducing stunting rates nationwide and ensuring the healthy growth and development of children throughout the country.

Jakarta, Indonesia – President Joko Widodo’s unwavering dedication to enhancing maritime connectivity and developing a skilled workforce is exemplified by the recent expansion of Politeknik Maritim Negeri Indonesia (Polimarin). The new campus, situated in Semarang regency, is a concrete step towards realizing Indonesia’s ambition to become a global maritime axis.

Polimarin’s significance as an educational institution aligned with Indonesia’s maritime vision has garnered attention from the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President at the Executive Office of the President, Abetnego Tarigan. 

“Polimarin has consistently demonstrated its ability to produce exceptional graduates, consistently meeting high-quality standards. The 100 percent employment rate for Polimarin graduates signifies a resolute commitment towards cultivating top-tier human resources within the maritime sector,” Abetnego said in Jakarta, on Monday (5/6).

The institution’s graduates have found employment not only in ship-related industries but also in diverse sectors such as shipping companies, port and logistics, mining, maritime administration, tourism, and defense. This versatility underscores the effectiveness of Polimarin’s vocational education, which instills character development and an entrepreneurial mindset.

The development of the new Polimarin campus is a collaborative effort involving the Executive Office of the President (KSP), various ministries, and institutions. Overcoming challenges related to land acquisition, the project has received support and coordination from the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises (Kementerian BUMN), Ministry of Finance, PTPN IX, Holding PTPN, the PTPN Workers’ Union, the Chief Prosecutor of Central Java, and the Semarang Regency National Land Agency (BPN).

After a successful land acquisition, symbolized by the handover of a 30-hectare land certificate from the Semarang Regency BPN to Polimarin on August 12, 2022, the construction of the integrated Polimarin campus is now underway.

The groundbreaking ceremony, led by Deputy Chief of Staff for Human Development, Abetnego Tarigan, took place in Wringin Putih Village, Bergas Subdistrict, Semarang Regency, on Friday (2/6).

The new Polimarin campus, spanning 30.8 hectares, will feature a two-story lecture building, dormitories for male and female students, as well as spacious laboratories and simulators covering an area of approximately 5,700 square meters. The construction is expected to be completed in 210 working days, with academic activities set to commence in 2024.

As the nation’s maritime aspirations continue to gain momentum, Polimarin’s expansion stands as a testament to President Jokowi’s vision and determination to ensure Indonesia’s success as a prominent player in the international maritime arena.

Jakarta – Following the recent lifting of the Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) status by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Indonesian government has redirected its efforts towards bolstering the national healthcare system.

With an emphasis on long-term preparedness, the government aims to ensure the readiness and resilience of the healthcare system in tackling potential future pandemic threats. This shift reflects a strategic move towards enhancing six key components outlined by the WHO, including health services, financing, human resources, medical supplies, health information, and governance.

“The lifting of the PHEIC status for COVID-19 by the WHO implies that member countries, including Indonesia, should transition their response from emergency situations to focusing on strengthening the long-term and systemic aspects of the healthcare system. This includes addressing the six sub-systems of healthcare as defined by the WHO,” dr. Brian Sri Prahastuti, Senior Advisor at the Executive Office of the President (KSP), shed light on this pivotal development on Tuesday (9/5) at Bina Graha building in Jakarta. 

The WHO itself identifies six essential components of the healthcare subsystems that require attention: health services, health financing, health workforce, medical products and technologies, health information, and health governance.

Highlighting the government’s proactive approach, dr. Brian further revealed that the Ministry of Health is currently in the process of implementing healthcare transformation initiatives to reinforce the national healthcare system. This transformation is necessitated by evolving healthcare needs in the digital era and the invaluable lessons learned from Indonesia’s experience in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. The government aims to adapt the healthcare system to the changing landscape by leveraging advancements in medical science and technology.

dr. Brian expressed confidence in the national healthcare transformation program, citing Indonesia’s remarkable response to the COVID-19 crisis. The country’s swift and comprehensive measures in containing the pandemic have garnered international acclaim, with the United Nations lauding Indonesia’s efforts during The 7th Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR) in May of the previous year.

From the outset, the Indonesian government has taken a holistic approach to address the challenges posed by the COVID-19 outbreak. “Since the early stages of the COVID-19 response, Indonesia has adopted a comprehensive approach, not only focusing on healthcare but also considering the social and economic well-being of the population,” she said.

The KSP has played a proactive role in the fight against COVID-19, even before the formation of the official task force. Notably, the operationalization of the PINTER (integrated information center) program and the development of six fundamental health protocols for communities, healthcare facilities, schools, offices/workplaces, public transportation, and public spaces like airports have been key contributions from the KSP in navigating the pandemic.

As the government shifts gears towards strengthening the national healthcare system, it remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguard public health and tackle future health crises with preparedness and resilience. The nation’s experience with the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of a robust healthcare system capable of addressing evolving challenges, both in Indonesia and on a global scale.

Indonesia’s future capital, Ibukota Nusantara (IKN), is set to become a child-friendly city that’s recognized around the world, according to Moeldoko, the Chief of Staff to the President. To achieve this vision, he’s calling for intensified efforts to tackle stunting and malnutrition in children, especially in the areas surrounding IKN. With a strong focus on child health and well-being, IKN has the potential to set a new global standard for urban planning and development, placing Indonesia at the forefront of the fight against childhood malnutrition.

Speaking at a meeting with representatives from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Indonesia on Thursday (23/2), Moeldoko called for intensified efforts to tackle stunting and malnutrition in children, particularly in the areas surrounding IKN.

“UNICEF needs to strengthen IKN, especially by expanding support to local governments in the Penajam Paser Utara district. We cannot have stunting and malnutrition in the vicinity of IKN,” he said.

Moeldoko urged for a large-scale campaign between UNICEF and several government ministries to raise awareness about the seriousness of stunting among the public. He emphasized that stunting is a major concern for President Joko Widodo and that his policies to combat the issue have been successful, with a decline from 37.2% to 21.6% in stunting prevalence since 2013.

Moeldoko hopes that by the time IKN is established as the capital in 2024, stunting and malnutrition in the surrounding areas will be eradicated, stating, “we must work hard to achieve the target reduction in stunting alongside the IKN development target.”

UNICEF has been collaborating with the Indonesian government on vaccination campaigns and stunting prevention since 2017. Country Representative of UNICEF Indonesia, Maniza Zaman, expressed UNICEF’s interest in discussing IKN’s potential to become a Child Friendly City, recognized by the Child Friendly Cities Initiatives. She also suggested the digitalization of stunting data to achieve the 2024 stunting prevalence target.

UNICEF believes that Indonesia should showcase its efforts to combat stunting to the world, following in the footsteps of Peru, Thailand, Vietnam, and Brazil, which have successfully reduced stunting prevalence rates. Post-pandemic, UNICEF is committed to helping Indonesia catch up on healthcare services that have been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Indonesian government has committed to ensuring the sustainability of the rehabilitation and reconciliation process in Haruku Island, Maluku Tengah Regency. This follows the successful resettlement of conflict refugees from the island.

In a coordination meeting to settle the social conflict residue in Haruku Island held on Wednesday (8/2) at the Bina Graha Building in Jakarta, several parties were present, including the Central Maluku Government, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the National Disaster Management Agency, the Ministry of Social Affairs, the Ministry of Defense and Security, the Ministry of Agrarian and Spatial Planning, as well as the Indonesian National Police and Military. The meeting was led by the Presidential Chief of Staff, Dr. Moeldoko.

“This coordination meeting is the final meeting to settle the social conflict residue in Haruku Island. The Presidential Chief of Staff and the KSP have visited the area three times, starting from seeing the condition of refugees, meeting with important groups in Maluku, reconciling the Pelauw and Kariuw groups, to the process of resettling Kariuw refugees,” said Moeldoko.

The successful return of Kariuw refugees to their village is a positive indication of the formation of peace in Central Maluku, according to Moeldoko.

In the meeting, Pj. Regent of Central Maluku, Muhamat Marasebessy, reported that all 1,238 Kariuw refugees in Aboru village had been successfully resettled.

The conflict in Haruku Island involved two communities, Kariuw and Pelauw, and has been ongoing since January 2022. As part of the rehabilitation and reconciliation efforts, Moeldoko has requested related ministries and agencies to formulate a housing and plantation seed assistance scheme for those affected by the conflict.

The government plans to expand the cultivation of cloves and nutmeg in Kariuw and Pelauw villages with a total land area of ​​600 hectares for each commodity. The government has also prepared to provide seeds to affected farmers with the hope that both conflicting parties can continue their livelihoods.

“More specific meetings will be held regarding housing and plantations. The KSP is ready to facilitate these meetings to get a comprehensive picture of the management of social conflict residue in Haruku Island,” said Moeldoko.

The government has assured that handling of social conflict, rehabilitation and reconciliation programs, as well as the Social Solidarity Assistance program, will be carried out impartially to ensure that peace in the community is sustainable