BKKBN organized the Ambassador Talks Event to share and discuss with the Ambassador from several countries. This event has been carried out to share experiences and strategies from developed countries including the countries that have succeeded in overcoming stunting problems.
“then we explore the opportunities for collaboration to accelerate stunting reduction in Indonesia. As well as, garner foreign partnership and support from other countries to promote Bangga Kencana Program at the international level,” explained Deputy for Training and Collaboration of BKKBN of the Republic of Indonesia, Rizal M Damanik during a working visit to Pangkep Regency, South Sulawesi, Thursday (24/3/2022).
According to Damanik, as a follow-up to the Ambassador Talks Event and an effort to accommodate foreign partners to know the Bangga Kencana Program directly at the village level, the BKKBN initiated an activity called Ambassador Goes to Kampung KB, Sumpang Bita, Balocci Baru Village, Pangkajene Regency, and Pangkep.
Attending the event were partners from embassies of friendly countries, namely Australia, Netherlands, Japan, Canada, Philippines, Mozambique, and Seychelles as well as international donor agencies such as the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Indonesia and World Health Organization (WHO). “BKKBN and UNFPA have been working together in population and family planning program. Moreover, the Philippines through Commission on Population and Development (PopCom) have also collaborated particularly in the South-South Cooperation framework. Besides that, BKKBN established a center of excellence in family welfare through collaboration with Seychelles.
According to Damanik, Kampung KB (Quality Family Villages) can be a means of best practice for Indonesia in overcoming population and health problems at the village level which can be replicated in other developing countries that have similar problems. Provide an in-depth overview of how programs and activities can be implemented in various conditions.
Pangkep Regent Muhammad Yusran Lalogau explained that so far in Pangkep there are around 51 Kampung KB (Quality Family Villages) spread across all sub-districts. He said that the development of the existing Kampung KB was very beneficial for the community.
“It is expected that the Kampung KB will also improve the community’s economy. Then we can provide good nutrition for children, counseling for teenagers and prospective brides so that later they can give birth to a generation who is not stunted, “explained Yusran.
Kampung KB Sumpang Bita is located in the tourist area of Balocci Baru Village and has been established in December 2021. The population is around 3,703 people with most of the residents’ livelihoods being garden farmers. Kampung KB activities that have been carried out include the Development of Toddler Families, Youth Families Development, Elderly Family Development, Acceptor Family Income Increase Business Group (UPPKA), Population Data House, and Healthy Kitchen Overcome Stunting (DASHAT).
“It’s nice to see firsthand the innovations that have been carried out by the BKKBN related to reducing maternal and infant mortality, stunting, and increasing people’s incomes, as well as the BKKBN’s proactive approach with partners,” said Australian General Consul in Makassar Bronwyn Robbins.
Damanik expressed his gratitude regarding the Ambassador Goes to Kampung KB activities so that in the future BKKBN can collaborate with other countries. He expressed his highest appreciation for the cooperation that exists between BKKBN and all embassies. “BKKBN welcomes all support, especially those that go directly to the community,” he explained.