Fajarasia.co – The National Population and Family Planning Agency (BKKBN) welcomes the discourse of implementing six months of maternity leave in the Maternal and Child Welfare Bill (RUU KIA) to support efforts to accelerate the reduction in the prevalence of stunting.
“BKKBN welcomes the discourse of implementing six months of maternity leave,” said Head of BKKBN Hasto Wardoyo when asked for his response regarding the proposal of the Chairperson of the PDR RI, via cell phone, Wednesday (22/6/2022).
Hasto added, in addition to supporting efforts to accelerate the reduction in stunting prevalence, six months of maternity leave is expected to reduce the risk of maternal and infant mortality.
“If given six months of leave, women who are pregnant can take leave from 36 weeks of pregnancy so they don’t do much activity that has the potential to increase the risk of their pregnancy,” he said.
In addition, he said, mothers who have just given birth can focus on recovering and focus on exclusive breastfeeding for their babies.
“If exclusive breastfeeding is sufficient, it is quite extraordinary, because one of the efforts to prevent stunting is by exclusive breastfeeding,” he said.
Related to this, the BKKBN will intensify socialization regarding the importance of six months of exclusive breastfeeding to support the discourse on the implementation of six months of maternity leave.
“The BKKBN will intensify advocacy and education regarding the positive impact on maternal and infant health if the discourse on six months of maternity leave is actually implemented,” he said.
Previously, the Chairperson of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, said that the MCH Bill aims to create superior Indonesian human resources (HR).
“We hope that the Maternal and Child Welfare Bill which is included in the list of the 2022 Priority National Legislation Program (Prolegnas) will be completed soon. This bill is important to welcome Indonesia’s golden generation,” said Puan.
Puan said this was related to the decision of the Legislative Body (Baleg) of the DPR RI on Thursday (9/6) which agreed to further discuss the MCH Bill with the government.*****
