The Role of Stakeholders in Addressing Stunting Issues in Mesuji Regency, Indonesia

Stunting remains an urgent global health issue, affecting an estimated 148 million children under the age of five, mainly in low- and middle-income countries. In Indonesia, despite various efforts made nationally, the prevalence of stunting is still high, especially in rural areas and areas with limited resources such as Mesuji Regency. This research focuses on analyzing the role of stakeholders in handling stunting in Mesuji Regency, by examining how various actors interact, coordinate, and contribute within the local governance framework. This study uses a qualitative approach of case studies, with data collection through in-depth interviews with key informants from government agencies, health cadres, non-governmental organizations, and community leaders, as well as participatory observation and document review. The results of the thematic analysis show that there are various forms of stakeholder involvement, ranging from formal coordination through the Stunting Reduction Acceleration Team (TPPS) to community-based nutrition education initiatives. However, a number of obstacles were also found such as limited resources, overlapping roles, and low public awareness. Nonetheless, effective collaboration has been shown to emerge in regions that have mutual trust, shared goals, and strong facilitation mechanisms. These findings underscore the importance of collaborative governance in public health policy, particularly in strengthening multi-sector synergy and program sustainability. This study contributes to the development of stakeholder governance theory and nutrition intervention practices at the local level.