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March 11, 2025Likwatang Village Uses Village Funds to Address Stunting and Malnutrition
Mr. Yusakh Fanmay, Likwatang’s Village Head
The distribution of fictitious and misallocation of village funds has been an ongoing issue since the introduction of village funds for all villages across the Republic of Indonesia. Besides that, the pursuit of using these funds effectively and making a significant impact remains a goal for many village heads in East Nusa Tenggara Province, particularly in Alor Regency.
Success stories on the use of these funds to combat stunting, malnutrition, and undernourishment, as seen in Likwatang Village in the Alor North Central District should be modeled on village heads in Alor Regency.
Likwatang Village received Village Funds amounting to IDR 800,000,000 in 2020, which increased to IDR 900,113,000 in 2023. These funds were not only used for physical infrastructure projects like road paving. However, the main priority of Village Head, Yusakh Fanmey has been to reduce and eliminate stunting, malnutrition, and undernourishment, with allocations of IDR 143,260,000 in 2022 and IDR 169,687,000 in 2023.
Village Head Yusakh Fanmey explained, that the priority to reduce stunting and malnutrition cases was addressed by utilizing Village Funds in a targeted manner, based on the needs of the village. This included increasing the capacity of Posyandu (integrated health service post) cadres to effectively provide services using a proper 5-table system. Another target group was the fishermen, helping them enhance their ability to catch fish in the sea, which is a key resource for this coastal village.
Training provided to health cadres included instruction on the 5-table service system and the use of anthropometric tools, with nutritionists from the local Puskesmas (community health center) and officials from the Community and Village Empowerment Office serving as speakers. There was also post-harvest training on processing local food products. Training for fishermen involved making traditional fishing gear (Bubu) and providing three units of motorboat engines and fishing equipment (rompong) for the fishing groups.
Fishing equipment
Additionally, to improve the performance of health cadres, midwives, and village nurses, the Village Government provided transportation allowances for cadres and village midwives who serve in the village, and supported Posyandu infrastructure with an allocation of IDR 26,000,000.
Training on the 5-Table Service System and the Use of Anthropometric Tools at Posyandu, funded by Village Funds, conducted by the Community and Village Empowerment Office of Alor Regency in collaboration with the Nutritionist from Mebung Health Center.
Following the training and service support provided by the Village Government, noticeable changes have been observed by both the government and the community, for instance, the 5-table service system at Posyandu is now functioning well. The cadres have taken the initiative to provide supplementary food (PMT) to processed local food ingredients in the village as well as making fish balls from the catch of the fishermen's group for consumption by toddlers at the posyandu. Furthermore, most childbirths are now assisted by health officers and take place at healthcare facilities (Puskesmas).
Despite these improvements, many challenges or obstacles are still faced by the Village Government and the Puskesmas Mebung Health Officers, as noted by Village Head Yusakh and Nutritionist Sinta from the Puskesmas. A common challenge is the perception that improving public health in a region is solely the responsibility of health officers, such as those from the Health Office and Puskesmas. Moreover, parenting and the below-average economic conditions of the community continue to be major challenges for both the Puskesmas and the Village Government.
Post-Harvest Training on Local Food Processing using Village Funds and its implementation at Posyandu by providing supplementary feeding (PMT) made from local food products by Posyandu cadres.
Yusakh Fanmey remains committed to maximizing health outcomes in his village. He reveales strategic steps for the coming years, including the construction of Posyandu facilities. Plans include building a new structure and providing supporting facilities as needed at Posyandu Tunas Muda 3. The Village Government also intends to enhance the fishing equipment for fishermen, increase the capacity of health cadres and the community through health-based socialization and training, and promote awareness for families to cultivate vegetable gardens at home. Efforts will also be made to establish partnerships with third parties operating in Likwatang Village as well as to strengthen synergies between stakeholders.
(Mex Lilong)
