Legal Implications Of Stunting Eradication In The Perspective Of Policy And Protection Of Children's Rights In Indonesia

Abstract

Stunting is one of the main health problems in Indonesia that has a serious impact on children's physical growth and cognitive development. Protection of children's rights to optimal health and growth has been regulated in various legal instruments, both at the national and international levels. This study aims to analyze the legal implications in overcoming stunting from the perspective of policy and protection of children's rights in Indonesia. The research method used is a normative legal approach with a qualitative analysis of relevant laws and regulations, government policies, and international legal instruments related to children's rights. The results of the study indicate that from the perspective of protecting children's rights, stunting is a form of violation of children's rights because children have the right to life and optimal growth and development, the right to health services, and the right to adequate and balanced nutrition, as regulated in the Child Protection Law and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). The government is trying to overcome stunting through various policies, such as ‘Presidential Regulation No. 72 of 2021 concerning the Acceleration of Stunting Reduction, Regulation of the National Population and Family Planning Agency Number 12 of 2021 concerning the National Action Plan for the Acceleration of Reducing Stunting Rates in Indonesia, and Decree of the Minister of Health Number HK.01.07/MENKES/1928/2022 concerning National Guidelines for Medical Services for Stunting Management’. This study recommends increasing the effectiveness of law enforcement, inter-sectoral coordination, and public education as a comprehensive effort to overcome stunting and ensure maximum protection of children's rights.