Jakarta (ANTARA) - Generation Z and millennials are frequently referred to as the strawberry generation, characterized by their impressive skills based on capabilities yet vulnerable to mental health issues, leading to perceptions of being weak in facing challenges.
Despite this, individuals from these two generations, born between 1981-1996 (millennials) and 1997-2012 (Gen Z), have contributed to enhancing nutrition among the Indonesian populace.
For instance, the Indonesian Generation Planning Forum (Genre) plays a role in improving the nutrition of Indonesian children by offering Free Nutritious Meals for homeless children while educating them about the importance of nutritional value during the National Nutrition Day celebrations on January 25.
According to I Putu Arya Aditia Utama, the General Chair of the Indonesian Genre Forum for 2024-2026, this initiative represents a collaborative effort with stakeholders to dispel the stigma associated with Gen Z and millennials.
The momentum also signifies their contribution to the nation by addressing sectors often overlooked by the government.
“We are addressing the government’s blind spot. For example, the government is targeting the program for schools, and we are targeting street schools,” he remarked.
Homeless children are twice as likely to experience stunting or chronic malnutrition as they are less exposed to information and education about balanced nutritious food.
Since 2019, Genre has been actively collaborating with the government for programs to accelerate stunting reduction.
Utama highlighted that the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program, which currently focuses on students, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers, is a manifestation of the state's presence in society.
However, his side drew attention to the importance of prioritizing marginalized communities.
"Although many issues regarding homeless children have been brought up by the Ministry of Social Affairs, we think it is not enough. Those kids are facing a higher risk of stunting,” he noted.
He noted that Genre's role as an extension of the government will also encourage all of their troops at the provincial level to provide nutritious food to homeless children while ensuring ongoing education for them.
According to the results of the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey published by the Ministry of Health, the stunting prevalence rate in Indonesia stands at 21.5 percent, reflecting only a slight decrease of 0.1 percent from the previous year.
The decline is still significantly short of the target set in the 2020-2024 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN), which aimed for a rate of 14 percent by 2024.
In response, the Ministry of National Development Planning has revised its stunting reduction target to 18.8 percent in 2025.
By the conclusion of the 2025-2029 RPJMN, the stunting prevalence rate is expected to be recorded at 14.2 percent.
Pediatrician Novitria Dwinanda highlighted that early detection or screening and referral are crucial for achieving a Stunting-Free Advanced Generation (GMBS).
She explained that screening is the key to early detection in order to carry out rapid intervention.
"Effective screening includes measuring height and weight and assessing nutritional status to ensure that children grow according to (established) standards. Thus, early detection gives room for appropriate treatment, reduces the risk of complications, and ensures optimal care for children,” she explained.
Meanwhile, referrals are essential for providing children with necessary interventions such as nutritional supplementation, dietary changes, and intensive monitoring.
Through effective referrals, children can access resources needed to improve their nutritional status and avert the long-term impacts of stunting.
Hence, the engagement of various stakeholders in this process, from health workers to families, will significantly bolster efforts toward realizing a Stunting-Free Advanced Generation.
Involvement of Generations
The Ministry of Health has issued a Decree of the Minister of Health Number HK.01.07/MENKES/33/2025 concerning Technical Instructions for Free Birthday Health Checks as proof of readiness to carry out one of the acceleration programs.
Ministry of Health spokesperson Widyawati underscored the need for early detection to prevent more severe health issues by ensuring that every citizen has an equal opportunity to maintain health and avoid health problems in the future.
The Free Health Check-up Program (PKG) is set to commence in February 2025, aiming to detect health problems early on, prevent disease, and improve the quality of life of the community.
The younger generation's role in the free health check-up initiative can be optimized by strengthening the School Health Unit (UKS). Through UKS, teenagers who are members of the Youth Red Cross (PMR), as well as health teams in schools, can be empowered to provide education about the importance of nutritional awareness to improve the quality of life of Indonesian children.
This also aligns with the program of Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu'ti, who invites all Indonesian students to implement the "Seven Habits of Great Indonesian Children" in order to shape the character of the younger generation through positive habits.
The seven habits comprise, first, waking up early to start the day with energy and productivity, while the second is worshiping according to personal beliefs as a form of gratitude and spiritual development.
The third habit entails exercising regularly to maintain physical and mental health, while the fourth habit is eating healthy and nutritious food to support optimal growth and development, and the fifth is loving to learn to become a smart and competitive generation.
The sixth habit is engaging socially by building sound relations with peers and communities, and the seventh is sleeping on time to maintain physical and mental fitness.
Social media campaigns
Lately, physical activities such as running and walking have gained traction on social media, with many influencers campaigning for this kind of lifestyle through their platform.
Gen Z and millennials, who are considered to be the most active users of social media, immediately jumped on this trend.
Implementing Car Free Day in various regions has also significantly contributed to uniting individuals and communities to exercise and lead healthy lifestyles through active movement and the consumption of nutritious food.
Sports Medicine Specialist Doctor from Pondok Indah-Bintaro Hospital Antonius Andi Kurniawan noted that several people are becoming increasingly fond of living an active lifestyle that brings myriad health benefits.
“I think the trend of active lifestyle has increased. If we talk about running events, more people are participating. The number of people running or walking around the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium is getting busier as well,” he highlighted.
Responding to the results of a Stanford University study in 2017 indicating that Indonesians are too lazy to walk, Kurniawan suggested that the increasing use of social media likely spurs the rising trend of leading active lifestyles.
The presence of influencers promoting such a lifestyle inspires many people to carry out the same activities.
"(This is) because young people spend most of their time on social media. They have started to become more active (by influence),” he remarked.
Despite various stereotypes surrounding millennials and Gen Z, it is undeniable that the future of the nation rests with this generation.
Their presence and role in enhancing nutrition for the Indonesian population must be acknowledged as one of the major contributions toward realizing the vision of Golden Indonesia 2045.
