The Faculty of Public Health (FPH ) of the Universitas Indonesia (UI) organized Online Seminar Series 15 on Saturday, September 24, 2022. At this seminar, Dr. Ir. Trini Sudiarti, M.Si., Chairperson of the Department of Nutrition FPH UI was present to give a speech. “Currently Indonesia is experiencing various nutrition and health problems. The presence of Nutrition for the Nation is expected to help overcome health and food problems in Indonesia,” said Dr. Trini. In line with Dr. Trini, the Vice Dean for Education, Research, and Student Affairs of FPH UI, Dr. Ir. Asih Setiarini, M.Sc., expressed hope for GUB’s contribution. “Nutrition for the Nation is a form of accountability after conducting research. Research results must be disseminated so that plagiarism does not occur and can provide benefits to society,” said Dr. Ir. Asih.
In the seminar session by experts, the Director of Public Health and Nutrition of BAPPENAS, Pungkas Bahjuri Ali, S.TP., M.S., Ph.D., presented the topic “Nutrition Improvement During Pandemic with National Strategy Plan (RPJMN Strategy 2020-2024)”. “The pandemic has many impacts on health, so a food and nutrition development framework is needed in the RPJMN 2020-2024 as well as adaptation policies to the pandemic,” said Pungkas Bahjuri Ali in his presentation.
The event continued with a panel session moderated by Wahyu Kurnia Yusrin Putra, S.K.M., M.K.M. The first panelist, Kombes Pol. Rudatin, S.K.M., M.Si., Chairperson of the DPP Persagi (Indonesian Nutritionists Association) presented material on the topic “Dietary Conditions, Nutrition and Health Problems After the Pandemic in Indonesia: What is the Impact on Achieving National Nutrition Development Targets?”. According to Rudatin, the COVID-19 pandemic has an impact on the lifestyle of the Indonesian people. To solve this problem, conventional methods cannot be used, but must use more up to date methods such as health digitalization. The second panelist was the Head of the Center for Agricultural Socio-Economics and Policy, Dr. Ir. Sudi Mardianto, M.Si., who spoke about “IRRI (International Rice Research Institute) Award for Indonesia’s Food Self-Sufficiency: Is Indonesia Safe from the Threat of Food Crisis?”. Currently, there are several food development challenges that could lead to a global food crisis. A new strategy is needed in the agricultural ecosystem as well as optimization of the Ministry of Agriculture’s programs that focus on inflation, import substitution, and export promotion.
Furthermore, Prof. dr. Endang Laksminingsih Achadi, M.P.H., Dr.PH., presented “Multiple Micronutrient Supplement: The Latest Intervention to Overcome Anemia”. Anemia is one of the most important issues in maternal and child health. Since 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) has included Multiple Micronutrient Supplement (MMS) in the list of essential medicines. MMS has been proven effective in preventing stunting in children.
The last panelist was a Paediatrician at Premier Bintaro Hospital, Dr. dr. Tubagus Rachmat Sentika, Sp.A, MARS, presented “Primary Care Transformation and Puskesmas Accreditation in Stunting Prevention”. The Indonesian Ministry of Health is committed to health transformation, especially in strengthening primary care and health technology transformation. Primary health care must also be integrated to achieve optimal service.
Another important agenda of Nutrition for the Nation 2022 is a symposium in the form of thesis presentations on various topics by alumni of the Bachelor of Nutrition, class of 2018. The presence of Nutrition for the Nation is expected to contribute to solving nutrition and health problems in Indonesia as well as disseminating insight into information on the latest nutrition issues. (WR)