Semarang, October 4, 2025 – In collaboration with the Ministry of Population and Family Development/National Population and Family Planning Board (Kemendukbangga/BKKBN), the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at Diponegoro University (FISIP UNDIP) held a seminar titled “The Active Role of Women and Young Santri in Preventing Stunting and Early Marriage”. The event was attended by the Secretary of Kemendukbangga/BKKBN, Prof. Budi Setiyono, M.Pol.Admin, Ph.D, along with three other speakers: the Head of BKKBN Central Java Province, Eka Sulistia Ediningsih, S.H; Lecturer and Guardian of Pondok Pesantren Kebangsaan, Dr. Drs. Muhammad Adnan, M.A; and the Chairperson of the Fatayat Nahdlatul Ulama Branch Leadership of Semarang City, Hj. Istighfaroh, M.Pd.

Rooted in concerns about the health of Indonesian children, based on the 2024 Indonesian Nutritional Status Survey (SSGI) results, the stunting prevalence in Indonesia reached 19.8 percent. Although this figure has decreased compared to the previous year, it still does not meet the government’s target of 14 percent. Aligned with the stunting issue, early marriage (child marriage) is a reality closely linked to the increased risk of stunting in the next generation. As one of the institutions tasked with and authorized to address this issue, Kemendukbangga partnered with FISIP UNDIP to provide education on the importance of the role of women and young santri in efforts to prevent stunting and early marriage through this seminar.

As the Keynote Speaker, Prof. Budi Setiyono, M.Pol.Admin, Ph.D emphasized the urgency of involving women and young santri in stunting prevention towards Golden Indonesia 2045. Family development is a key factor in ensuring superior human resources and a quality nation. Therefore, as prospective Fertile Age Couples (PUS), young people must be well-educated in preparing for family life and their role as prospective parents in producing a quality generation. Meanwhile, the Head of BKKBN Central Java Province, Eka Sulistia Ediningsih, S.H, stressed the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in stunting prevention for Golden Indonesia 2045.

From the perspective of women and academics, Dr. Drs. Muhammad Adnan, M.A, and Hj. Istighfaroh, M.Pd emphasized that women and the santri community have an equal role in efforts to prevent stunting and early marriage. As agents of change, the santri community have an educational role by providing peer education related to the prevention of stunting and early marriage, and a exemplary role by not being part of early marriage practices. Meanwhile, the active role of women includes, among others, social empowerment by providing education on fulfilling balanced nutrition for pregnant women, infants, and toddlers.

In addition to presentations and discussions on the importance of the role of women and young santri in preventing stunting and early marriage, the event featured the signing of a cooperation agreement between FISIP UNDIP and BKKBN Central Java Province, and BKKBN Bali Province. This demonstrates the concrete steps taken by FISIP UNDIP in implementing the Three Pillars of Higher Education and in realizing Golden Indonesia 2045.