Combining Urgency and Cultural Sensitivity: Evaluating an Emergency Stunting Intervention Rooted in Local Wisdom in Indonesian Public Health Center

Stunting remained a critical public health challenge in Indonesia, particularly affecting rural communities. This study evaluated the efficacy of an urgent, culturally sensitive intervention to address stunting in Astambul Public Health Center, South Kalimantan, through a maternal and child program. The initiative leveraged indigenous wisdom, local nutritional resources, and cultural practices to enhance health outcomes. A mixed-methods case study design was employed. The research engaged 100 pregnant women and young children as participants. Data collection included in-depth interviews, systematic observations, and anthropometric measurements of children conducted pre-and post-intervention. The study concluded that emergency interventions grounded in local wisdom offered an encouraged and culturally appropriate strategy to address stunting in rural communities. It advocated for broader implementation of similar rapid-response programs across diverse regions and emphasized collaborative efforts between governmental bodies, community stakeholders, and healthcare professionals. This study contributed to the literature on culturally sensitive, urgent public health interventions and provided valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners in resource-limited settings.