Stunting remains a problem in Indonesia, including in Tegal City. Collective efforts from all sectors of society are necessary to work together in address stunting. Therefore, the Doctoral Program in Public Health (DKM) at FKM UNDIP undertook efforts to prevent stunting through a Community Service Activity titled “DKM Mengabdi, Tegal Ceria,” held in the Slerok Subdistrict, East Tegal District, Tegal City, on January 15, 2025. This event represents the contribution and implementation of UNDIP’s role, particularly the DKM program at FKM UNDIP, in actively strengthening the community’s food security as part of efforts to prevent stunting, in line with UNDIP’s motto of being a dignified and impactful university for society.
In this community service activity, DKM UNDIP students encouraged the utilization of affordable and nutritious local food, especially fish-based foods, as sources of animal protein. They provided education on balanced nutrition, food diversification, and healthy food preparation as part of their efforts to strengthen family food security for stunting prevention. This activity was carried out using an educational and participatory approach, attracting the community to attend the events. The event was attended in person by the Deputy Mayor of Tegal, Hj. Tazkiyatul Muthmainnah, S.K.M., M.Kes. In her remarks, she emphasized the importance of accelerating stunting management programs through cross-sectoral collaboration and strengthening nutritional practices at the family level, especially for vulnerable groups and families with young children.
This community service activity was also attended by stakeholders from various sectors, including representatives from the Tegal City Bappeda, the Head of the Slerok Community Health Center, the East Tegal District Head, and the Secretary of the Slerok Subdistrict. The presence of these policymakers shows that this community service activity has received support not only from the community but also from the Tegal City Government and its staff. This demonstrates UNDIP’s efforts, particularly the DKM program at FKM UNDIP, to be present in the community and contribute to community welfare, especially in strengthening food security and alleviating poverty—efforts that have received positive feedback from both the community and the Tegal City Government.
In his speech, Yudhy Dharmawan, S.K.M., M.Kes., M.Sc., Ph.D., as Secretary of the DKM UNDIP Program, reiterated the commitment of the DKM UNDIP Program to participate and contribute to the development of public health, so that universities are not seen merely as “ivory towers.” Yudhy also hopes that all students will be able to make continual contributions to improving welfare and food security, particularly in Tegal City, to prevent stunting.
Appreciation was also expressed by Dr. Emy Haryati, M.H.Kes., Cibtac., Cht., Head of Slerok Community Health Center, during the event’s opening: “Thank you to the Doctoral Program in Public Health (DKM) at Diponegoro University (UNDIP) for choosing RW 5 Slerok Subdistrict as the location for the PKM project focused on stunting prevention. Hopefully, this will be a real contribution to strengthening knowledge and encouraging families to actively support the growth and development of toddlers,” she said.
A similar sentiment was conveyed by the Secretary of the Slerok Subdistrict, who welcomed and thanked the UNDIP FKM Team and the DKM UNDIP doctoral students’ PKM team for selecting the Slerok Subdistrict as the site for the community service activity. The Slerok Subdistrict government expressed their readiness to support and facilitate the smooth running of the entire activity series and hoped it would bring prosperity to the citizens.
The core session of this service included practical training for participants, covering accurate anthropometric measurements ( weight, height, mid-upper arm circumference, and head circumference) and how to read the child growth card (KMS) in the Maternal and Child Health (KIA) book to monitor child growth trends. Education was also provided using the “Isi Piringku” (What’s on My Plate) materials, emphasizing the importance of animal protein as a key strategy in preventing stunting. This was delivered by DKM UNDIP students in an easy-to-understand language, in a cheerful and relaxed manner.
The event continued with a creative food contest using fish-based ingredients, with a budget limit of Rp 50,000, where participants presented fish-based menus to prevent stunting in toddlers. The activity involved 25 mothers of toddlers and 25 companions, including family members and husbands, and was supported by health cadres and local stakeholders. The event was vibrant and successfully improved the knowledge and skills of families in monitoring child growth and preparing nutritious, realistic, and affordable menus for stunting prevention in Tegal City.
