The Dahlia Integrated Health Post (posyandu) in Susukan Village,Ciracas,East Jakarta,was abuzz with activity on a recent Friday morning. The air was filled with the sounds of crying children and the chatter of mothers as they gathered for the distribution of Free Nutritious Meals. Around 45 beneficiaries, including pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children under five, received meals at the posyandu. Similar distributions took place at the Anyelir Posyandu in Ciracas, highlighting the government’s efforts to address nutritional needs in the community.
The menu,consisting of spiced rice,eggs with butter sauce,stir-fried chayote,meatballs,oranges,and milk,was met with mixed reactions. While some children eagerly devoured the food, others were more selective. “My children like meatballs so they ate all the meatballs, but not the eggs,” shared Endang Monalisa, a 45-year-old mother from Susukan Village, who attended with her 3.5-year-old twins, Nizam and Nadif. Meanwhile,Windy,a 24-year-old mother,expressed her dissatisfaction,saying,”The dish is lacking. I usually give my child fish at home.”
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Population and Family Advancement, Ratu Isyana Bagoes Oka, and Deputy Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, Veronica Tan, who helped distribute the meals. However, one notable absence was the fathers. “Where are the fathers? I do not see any men here. There are no fathers present today, are there?” Deputy Minister Tan asked. the mothers responded in unison, “They are at work, madam.” Tan emphasized the importance of fathers accompanying their children to posyandus to witness their development and participate in parenting.
The Importance of Equal Parenting
The absence of fathers at posyandus is a recurring issue. Economic factors and the double burden on women often limit their involvement. According to data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS), in 2020, 11.44 million women were registered as heads of households, accounting for 15.7 percent of wage earners. indra gunawan, Acting Deputy for Gender Equality at the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, noted that while the number of women workers is lower than men, the likelihood of women becoming informal workers is higher, at around 66 percent or 54.5 million. This double burden makes women more vulnerable to economic challenges, wich can lead to household conflicts.
Woro Srihastuti Sulistyaningrum, Deputy for coordination of Children, Women, and Youth Quality Improvement at the coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture, stressed that equal parenting can alleviate this burden. “We are currently encouraging equality in families, where, in parenting, men and women equally raise their children,” she said. The Ministry of Population and Family Development is promoting the Exemplary Father movement (Gate) as part of its efforts to increase father involvement in parenting. Deputy Minister Oka explained that fathers must not only provide financial support but also be emotionally present to meet the psychological needs of mothers and children.
Nutritional Education and Family Planning
The Free Nutritious meals program aims to educate both parents on good nutrition. “Children can also be introduced to various other menus; this is also very vital. Their tongues will be accustomed to various menus, and hopefully, they will develop good eating habits,” Oka added. The program involves posyandu cadres and family support teams (TPK) from the Ministry of Population and family Development, which number 600,000 nationwide.
Deputy Minister Tan also highlighted the role of family planning in achieving equal parenting. Posyandus, traditionally spaces for monitoring children’s growth, are evolving into hubs for nutritional education for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children. The presence of fathers is crucial to fostering an equal parenting ecosystem.
Key takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
|———————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Event | Free Nutritious Meals distribution at Dahlia and Anyelir Posyandu |
| Attendees | Pregnant women,breastfeeding mothers,and children under five |
| Menu | Spiced rice,eggs with butter sauce,stir-fried chayote,meatballs,oranges,milk |
| Fathers’ Involvement | Absent due to work commitments; encouraged to participate in future events |
| Government Initiatives | Exemplary Father Movement (Gate) and Free Nutritious Meals program |
| Goal | Promote equal parenting and nutritional education for families |
The event underscored the need for greater father involvement in parenting and the importance of nutritional education. As posyandus continue to evolve, their role in fostering equal parenting and healthy family dynamics will remain pivotal.
Equal parenting and Nutritional Education: A Conversation with Dr. Sari Wijaya
in a recent event at the Dahlia Integrated Health Post (posyandu) in Susukan Village, Ciracas, East Jakarta, the government highlighted the importance of equal parenting and nutritional education. we sat down with Dr. Sari Wijaya, a leading expert in family dynamics and child advancement, to discuss the challenges and opportunities in promoting equal parenting and improving family nutrition.
The Role of Fathers in Parenting
Senior Editor: Dr. wijaya, thank you for joining us today. One of the key issues highlighted at the posyandu event was the absence of fathers. Why is their involvement so crucial?
Dr. Sari Wijaya: Thank you for having me. Fathers play a vital role in parenting, not just as providers but as active participants in their children’s lives. Their involvement helps balance the parenting load, reduces the double burden on mothers, and fosters a more supportive family habitat. When fathers are present,children benefit emotionally,socially,and academically.
Economic challenges and gender Equality
Senior Editor: Economic factors often limit fathers’ involvement. How can we address this issue?
Dr. Sari Wijaya: Economic challenges are indeed a notable barrier. Many fathers work long hours or in informal sectors, leaving little time for family. To address this, we need policies that support work-life balance, such as flexible working hours and parental leave. Additionally, promoting gender equality in the workplace can help shift societal norms, encouraging men to take on more active roles at home.
The Exemplary father Movement (Gate)
Senior Editor: The government has launched the Exemplary Father Movement (Gate). What are your thoughts on this initiative?
dr. Sari Wijaya: The Gate initiative is a step in the right direction. It encourages fathers to be more than just financial providers; it emphasizes emotional presence and active participation in parenting. By promoting this movement, we can change cultural perceptions and show that parenting is a shared responsibility.
Nutritional Education and Family Planning
Senior Editor: The Free Nutritious Meals program aims to educate families on good nutrition. How critically important is this initiative?
Dr. Sari Wijaya: Nutritional education is crucial for the healthy development of children. The Free Nutritious Meals program not only provides essential nutrients but also teaches families about balanced diets. Introducing children to a variety of foods early on can help establish healthy eating habits that last a lifetime. Additionally, family planning plays a key role in ensuring that parents can provide adequate care and nutrition for their children.
The Future of Posyandus
Senior Editor: Posyandus are evolving into hubs for nutritional education and equal parenting. What do you see as their future role?
dr. Sari Wijaya: Posyandus have the potential to become community centers that support holistic family development. By integrating nutritional education, parenting workshops, and family planning services, they can address multiple aspects of family well-being. The key is to ensure that both mothers and fathers are actively involved, creating a balanced and supportive environment for children to thrive.
