Amid Papua’s breathtaking mountains, where mist covers valleys and rivers carve through dense tropical forests, lies a silent humanitarian emergency that rarely makes headlines. It is not war or natural disaster but a crisis growing quietly in thousands of Papuan homes: the alarming rate of child stunting. For decades, malnutrition and poor access to healthcare have robbed Papuan children of their full potential, stunting not only their growth but also their dreams.
In response to this crisis, the Government of Papua Province launched an ambitious initiative in 2025: the “Genting” Program, short for Gerakan Penting Cegah Stunting—translated as “Critical Movement to Prevent Stunting.” The word “genting,” which also means “urgent” in Indonesian, perfectly captures the essence of this initiative: a call to immediate and united action to save the future generation of Papua.
Under the leadership of Governor Mathius D. Fakhiri and with strong political support from President Prabowo Subianto’s administration, the program represents more than a health campaign—it is a movement of humanity. It symbolizes Papua’s determination to rise above its challenges and ensure that every child, no matter how remote their village, has a fair chance to grow healthy, intelligent, and strong.
Understanding the Stunting Crisis in Papua
Stunting has long been a serious public health issue across Indonesia, but nowhere is it more persistent and complex than in Papua. According to the Ministry of Health, Papua consistently records some of the highest stunting rates in the country, with certain districts reaching close to 30 percent of children under five affected. The causes are multifaceted, ranging from malnutrition during pregnancy, poor sanitation, and limited clean water to the challenges of delivering healthcare in a geographically isolated region where many villages can only be reached by boat or small aircraft.
For Papuan families living in rural or highland areas, nutritious food is not always easy to access. In some cases, cultural beliefs and limited knowledge about child nutrition exacerbate the problem. Many mothers give birth without professional health assistance, while others struggle to provide balanced meals due to poverty or lack of information. The results are devastating: stunted children not only grow shorter but also face long-term cognitive impairments, reduced learning capacity, and higher risks of chronic diseases later in life.
In essence, stunting is not merely a health statistic—it is a mirror reflecting deeper social and economic inequality. It is a crisis that undermines the very foundation of human development. Recognizing this, the Papua Provincial Government declared 2025 a “Year of Nutrition Emergency,” committing all its resources and institutions to one collective mission: ending stunting once and for all.
The Birth of the “Genting” Program: A Movement, Not Just a Policy
The Genting Program was officially introduced in early 2025 as a flagship provincial movement to reduce stunting rates to below 14 percent within the next five years. But more importantly, it represents a shift in mindset—from treating stunting as a mere health problem to seeing it as a societal emergency that demands collaboration across all sectors.
Governor Mathius D. Fakhiri described Genting as a “moral and spiritual duty” rather than just a bureaucratic program. “We must look at every child’s face and remember that they are the future of Papua,” he said during the program’s launch in Jayapura. “When one child is malnourished, the entire society bears responsibility.”
To ensure broad engagement, the program unites multiple government offices—health, education, agriculture, women’s empowerment, and social welfare—under a single coordinated strategy. It focuses not only on short-term aid but also on building sustainable systems for food security, maternal health, and public awareness.
Cross-Sector Collaboration: From Government to Grassroots
One of the hallmarks of the Genting initiative is its deeply collaborative approach. It recognizes that no single institution can solve the stunting crisis alone. Hence, it calls for an alliance between the government, civil society, religious institutions, traditional leaders, and private partners.
A centerpiece of this collaboration is the “Gerakan Orang Tua Asuh,” or Foster Parents Movement, which encourages civil servants, local leaders, and community members to become “nutrition guardians” for vulnerable children. They provide assistance in the form of nutritious food, health checkups, and guidance for families on child care and hygiene.
Deputy Governor Aryoko A.F. Otniel, one of the architects of Genting, stressed that stunting is an “invisible disaster” requiring emotional commitment as much as financial resources. “This is not about feeding the hungry once,” he said, “it’s about changing lives and ensuring no Papuan child is left behind.”
Local churches and mosques have also been mobilized to integrate nutrition education into sermons and community gatherings. In many Papuan societies, religious leaders hold great influence; their involvement helps dismantle myths and taboos surrounding pregnancy and child nutrition. The result is an organic, community-driven transformation where health education becomes part of daily conversation.
Health and Nutrition Interventions on the Frontlines
At the heart of the Genting Program is a renewed commitment to strengthen local healthcare systems. Community-based health posts, known as Posyandu, have been revitalized to become centers of nutrition education and maternal care. These small yet vital facilities provide pregnant mothers with prenatal check-ups, distribute iron and vitamin supplements, and monitor child growth regularly.
The provincial government has also expanded its distribution of fortified foods and nutrient-rich local produce, such as sweet potatoes, cassava leaves, and red beans, long known as traditional sources of energy among Papuan communities. Agricultural departments collaborate with villagers to promote sustainable farming methods that ensure continuous food availability throughout the year.
To reach remote and mountainous districts, mobile medical teams are now deployed using helicopters and riverboats. These teams bring essential health services, immunizations, and educational materials directly to communities that were once isolated from public healthcare. “We go where the people are,” said a nurse from Paniai. “Even if it means crossing rivers or hiking through forests, every child matters.”
Education and Awareness: Changing Mindsets for Generations
Beyond providing food and healthcare, Genting aims to reshape mindsets about nutrition and parenting. Many stunting cases originate not from lack of food, but from lack of knowledge about proper dietary practices.
Educational programs under Genting target schools and family groups, teaching mothers how to prepare balanced meals using locally available ingredients. The government also collaborates with educators to integrate basic health and nutrition lessons into the school curriculum. Children are taught early on about hygiene, handwashing, and the importance of clean water—simple habits that can dramatically reduce disease and malnutrition.
Traditional leaders are also key allies. By using customary gatherings and tribal councils as communication channels, the government ensures that even remote communities understand the significance of healthy pregnancies and early childhood nutrition.
National Support Under President Prabowo Subianto
The Genting initiative stands as part of a broader national mission led by President Prabowo Subianto, who has repeatedly emphasized that the strength of Indonesia’s future lies in the health of its people. The central government supports Papua through expanded funding for health infrastructure, rural sanitation, and food resilience programs.
President Prabowo’s administration has directed the Ministry of Health, the National Food Agency, and the Ministry of Social Affairs to align their programs with Papua’s Genting initiative, ensuring coherence between national and regional priorities. This alignment underscores a key principle of the Prabowo administration: that national development must be inclusive and no province—no matter how distant—should be left behind.
The government’s ultimate goal is clear: to make Indonesia, including Papua, free from stunting by 2030. To achieve this, the president has called for “total synergy between the state and the people,” a message echoed strongly by Governor Rumasukun during his coordination meetings.
Stories of Hope: Early Impact and Local Heroes
Since its launch, Genting has already inspired local stories of change. In Jayapura, a community-run nutrition center now provides cooking classes for young mothers using local ingredients like taro and banana stems. In Wamena, teachers have introduced “Healthy Monday” sessions where students share nutritious snacks and discuss hygiene habits. Meanwhile, in Biak Numfor, volunteers from churches deliver food packages to low-income families every week.
These small yet meaningful acts illustrate how Genting has begun to create ripples of awareness and solidarity across Papua. Villages that were once silent now talk about child health with pride and urgency. Communities are learning that stunting is not fate—it is a challenge that can be overcome together.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite these promising beginnings, Papua’s journey toward ending stunting remains long and demanding. The province’s challenging geography, limited infrastructure, and shortage of medical professionals still pose major obstacles. Climate change and food insecurity in some highland regions add new layers of complexity.
However, the government remains steadfast. Continuous monitoring, capacity-building for health workers, and partnerships with NGOs and international organizations form the backbone of Papua’s long-term strategy. As Deputy Governor Aryoko said, “This is a marathon, not a sprint. The finish line is when every Papuan child stands tall, healthy, and ready to dream.”
Conclusion
The Genting Program is more than a government policy—it is a testament to Papua’s collective will to protect its future. It reminds Indonesia, under President Prabowo Subianto’s leadership, that true national progress is measured not only in roads or buildings but in the well-being of its children.
Papua’s battle against stunting is a story of courage, compassion, and collaboration. It is the story of a province reclaiming its destiny through unity and care. And as the Genting movement continues to grow, it carries one unshakable belief: that no child in Papua should ever have their potential limited by the circumstances of their birth.
In the highlands, along the coastlines, and across the islands of Papua, that belief is taking root. Slowly but surely, a healthier, stronger generation is rising—one that will carry forward the dream of a truly united and prosperous Indonesia.