Efforts to Achieve SDGs Target 2 : Case Study on Stunting Rates in Indonesia

Abstract

The Indonesian government has identified stunting as a target to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to eliminate all forms of malnutrition. As defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), stunting is a growth and development disorder in children aged <5 years caused by chronic malnutrition and recurrent infections, especially during the first 1000 days. Stunting is defined as a height-for-age <-2 standard deviations (SD) below the median value for a reference population of children as established by the WHO for child growth standards (WHO, n.d.). The factors that can affect stunting are not solely related to food intake in children. Additionally, stunting can be caused by congenital heart disease, congenital metabolic disorders, and chronic infections resulting from poor hygiene in the surrounding environment (Kemenkes, 2022). This research employs a global governance approach to elucidate the interactions underpinning Indonesia's effortsto achieve Sustainable Development Goal 2.2. The prevalence of stunting in Indonesia demonstrates a decline in cases, indicative of enhanced collaboration between government and non-governmental entities in reducing stunting rates. Through these interactions, the government and non-governmental organisations have initiated changes in the form of legislation and the formation of dedicated bodies to address the issue of stunting in Indonesia.