UNAIR NEWS – As one of Indonesia’s leading universities, Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) continues to demonstrate strong support for government initiatives aimed at reducing stunting rates nationwide. This commitment was recently recognized through an award from the National Population and Family Planning Agency (BKKBN).

During the ceremony, Prof Dr Sri Sumarmi SKM MSi emphasized that the recognition affirms UNAIR’s active involvement in stunting prevention through its core academic missions. She added that the award further reinforces the university’s broader commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“In addition to showcasing UNAIR’s dedication to stunting prevention, this recognition highlights our efforts to support the SDGs. Our flagship Desa Emas program is a clear example of how we put several SDG principles into action, specifically SDGs 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 10, 12, and 17,” she said.

Meaningful roles and real impact

Prof Sumarmi explained that UNAIR plays an essential role as an academic institution. The university routinely deploys students and faculty through community service programs (KKN), field practice (PKL), internships, and other academic engagements that contribute to stunting prevention. UNAIR also supports numerous research projects focused on stunting-related issues.

“In many of our studies, we partner with external organizations such as BKKBN, local governments, NGOs, and industries. We also regularly conduct community outreach programs to apply our research findings in real settings and collaborate with government agencies to provide ongoing assistance. These efforts take place both within communities and government institutions to strengthen program outcomes,” she stated.

She further noted that UNAIR’s contributions across 20 regencies and cities in East Java have helped reduce the region’s stunting prevalence from 17.7 percent to 14.7 percent. This progress also positioned East Java as the province with the second-lowest stunting rate in the country.

“These achievements demonstrate that UNAIR is more than just an academic institution, it delivers real, measurable benefits to society. Moving ahead, UNAIR will expand community assistance programs beyond East Java, take an active leadership role in the National Consortium of Higher Education Institutions for Stunting Prevention, and incorporate these efforts into its curriculum,” she concluded.

Author: Rifki Sunarsis Ari Adi

Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia