Universitas Brawijaya during the presentation of the Gold Award, presented directly by the Minister of Population and Family Development/Head of BKKBN, Dr. H. Wihaji, S.Ag., M.Pd . (Photo: Universitas Brawijaya Public Relations)
EduAsiaNews, Jakarta – Universitas Brawijaya has once again positioned itself at the forefront of national efforts to reduce stunting. The Malang-based university earned the Gold designation at the Appreciation and Award Ceremony for Higher Education Partners of the Foster Parents for Stunting Prevention (GENTING) Program, a national initiative spearheaded by the National Population and Family Development Agency (BKKBN).
The award was presented directly by the Minister of Population and Family Development/Head of BKKBN, Dr. H. Wihaji, S.Ag., M.Pd, at an event held in Jakarta. The Gold designation is conferred on universities deemed active, consistent, and capable of delivering tangible impact in stunting prevention at the family and community levels.
Wihaji cited Universitas Brawijaya as a concrete example of the role higher education institutions can play in addressing human development challenges. According to him, UB goes beyond merely implementing programs by building sustained mentoring relationships with families at risk of stunting. “UB demonstrates how a scientific approach can be combined with humane assistance and long-term commitment,” Wihaji said. He added that the university’s involvement as a program partner makes stunting reduction efforts more grounded and effective.
The GENTING Program positions universities as foster parents for families at risk of stunting. Under this scheme, Universitas Brawijaya engages lecturers, students, and networks of partner villages to provide nutritional counseling, monitor child growth and development, deliver family health education, strengthen the capacity of local health cadres, and implement community-based interventions tailored to the needs and contexts of the assisted areas.
The Rector of Universitas Brawijaya described the Gold designation as both a reminder and a responsibility. “This award is not merely recognition, but a mandate to ensure that UB’s contributions truly have an impact on the quality of future generations,” he said. According to him, the stunting issue cannot be resolved through sectoral approaches alone, but requires cross-disciplinary collaboration and sustained programs.
Looking ahead, UB plans to expand the scope of the GENTING Program by integrating the university’s threefold mission—education, research, and community service—while strengthening collaboration with local governments and development partners. With research as its foundation and communities as its focal point, Universitas Brawijaya affirms its role as a university that not only produces graduates, but also helps ensure that Indonesian children grow up healthy and empowered.
