Utilization of Local Wisdom to Overcome Malnutrition of Children in South Sorong Districts, West Papua Province, Indonesia

Abstract

Introduction: In South Sorong Districts in 2013 there were 47.6% cases of malnourished and underweight

children under five; short and very short toddler cases (stunting) of 60.7%. In 2017 South Sorong Districts

was one of the 100 districts that were the priority in handling stunting problems. Where the problem of

stunting is chronic malnutrition in the period ranging from uterus to toddlers.

Purpose: this research aims to find the socio-cultural potential and local wisdom in overcoming nutritional

problems in these children under five.

Method: this riset mix methods by looking for quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data with

anthroprometry and qualitative data conduct in-depth interviews and village community consultations in

finding solutions that are appropriate to the conditions of the community.

Result: It was found as many as 49.41% of malnutrition, while stunting was 54.1%. Natural potential in

the form of food ingredients, fish, sea shrimp, chicken, sago and various vegetables already exists in the

community. The community made an agreement in dealing with the nutritional problems of these children

with child care, nutrition, nutrition and sanitation.

Conclucion: that in handling nutritional problems of children there is involvement of the community,

traditional leaders, religious leaders, support from the village head and the support of the regional government

in the form of special team formation and additional budgets on children under five nutrition programs