Fajarasia.co – The Chairperson of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, revealed the importance of the Maternal and Child Welfare Bill (RUU KIA). This bill was fought for, one of which was to maximize the growth and development of children so that problems such as stunting (chronic nutrition) could be avoided.
This was conveyed by Puan while filling the People’s Health Service Innovation Festival held by the PDI-P (PDIP) at the Party School, Jl Lenteng Agung, South Jakarta, Saturday (18/6/2022).
Accompanied by the Chairperson of the PDIP DPP for Disaster Management, dr. Ribka Tjiptaning, Puan gave counseling to hundreds of pregnant women and prospective brides. He also provides socialization about child growth and development to parents who have children under 2 years of age.
“In the DPR RI, we are fighting for the Law on Maternal and Child Welfare, in which later working mothers who give birth will take leave, God willing, from 3 months to 6 months,” said Puan.
The MCH Bill is designed to create superior Indonesian human resources (HR). The bill, which is included in the 2022 National Legislation Program (Prolegnas), is important to welcome Indonesia’s golden generation.
The MCH Bill focuses on the golden age of a child, which is a crucial period of child growth and development which is often associated with the first 1,000 days of life (HPK) as a determinant of a child’s future. Therefore, this bill emphasizes the importance of managing the welfare of mothers and children in a directed, integrated, and sustainable manner.
In the MCH Bill, the DPR will fight for the rights of mothers to obtain health services, health insurance during pregnancy, special treatment and facilities, and public infrastructure. One of them, said Puan, is taking 6 months of maternity leave so that the child has better growth and development.
“This is also to prevent stunting. Working mothers are given more opportunities after giving birth. In order to give breast milk more fully than just 3 months leave,” said the first woman who served as Chair of the Indonesian House of Representatives.
Puan said the DPR was fighting for additional time for maternity leave for working mothers so that the bonding between mother and child would be optimal. Good bonding will greatly affect the growth and development of children.
“Why are we fighting for this? Of course because we see the importance of the closeness of mother and child after birth. So it can take longer maximum also in breastfeeding. So we encourage mothers and children to bond,” said Puan.
Regarding the technicalities of the planned 6-month maternity leave policy, the DPR will hold discussions with the Government and other relevant stakeholders. Puan also paid attention to the development of input from the community who hoped that there would also be time off for husbands whose wives had just given birth.
“That could be discussed. And of course the father of the family plays a role, so that working mothers can be assisted in taking care of their children after giving birth. How will it be technically? Of course, it will be discussed first in the DPR with the Government,” he said.
The PDIP People’s Health Service Innovation Festival was attended by around 700 pregnant women, 250 prospective brides and grooms, and hundreds of children under 2 years old. This activity also presented a Healthy Kitchen Overcoming Stunting (DASHAT) which featured a cooking demonstration of a healthy menu to overcome stunting.
“Mother and child must be healthy, must eat nutritious food. Don’t let yourself not eat nutritious food,” explained Puan.
The former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture often encounters problems with children with poor nutrition during work visits to regions. Many mothers told Puan that their children were malnourished, causing stunting.
“When you are pregnant, you don’t have enough nutrition. Kids don’t want to eat either. That’s why it’s important how then we can maintain the health of ourselves, as well as our future baby, until the baby is born, to eat nutritious, healthy foods,” he appealed.
“So that we are healthy, the baby is also healthy. This is also important so that in the future Indonesia’s children are healthy and nutritious children and of course they can bring Indonesia to a better future,” continued Puan.
The PDIP People’s Health Service Innovation Festival also presented a number of speakers. Several figures who provided counseling in the discussion included the Head of the BKKBN, dr. Hasto Wardoyo and Head of BRIN Dr. Like Tri Handoko.****
