IPB University’s IKK Department Talks About the Importance of Quality Families in the Motekar Cadre Coordination Meeting in West Java
The era of information technology disruption marked by the use of information technology as a basis for human life has changed the current order of life, including family life. The fast progress of information technology has facilitated and helped family life so that it can support quality family life.
On the other side, advances in information technology that are not used appropriately utilized can threaten family life. The rise of marriage dispensations in several regions in numerous Indonesian areas demonstrates an increase in the number of petitions for decreased marriage age from parents to religious courts due to very urgent or emergency conditions.
"The request for a marriage dispensation is submitted by the parents because the child to be married is under 19 years of age. One of the factors causing the emergence of marital dispensation is promiscuity which has an impact on getting pregnant out of wedlock as a result of environmental influences and low quality of childcare," said Dr Tin Herawati, Lecturer in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences (IKK) IPB University in a coordination meeting with representatives of cadres motekar (motivators of family resilience) from all districts/cities in West Java which was held by the Women's Empowerment, Child Protection and Family Planning Agency, West Java Province, some time ago.
In this activity, she gave material on the importance of quality families to prevent child marriage and stunting. According to her, the dispensation of marriage will increase marriage at a young age, newborn and child mortality, difficulties in dealing with problems in family life and the rise of divorce.
“Another problem that is currently being faced is the high prevalence of stunting. According to SSGI data in 2022, the prevalence of stunting in Indonesia has decreased to 21,6 percent and West Java to 20,2 percent," she stated.
Even though it has decreased, she added, the number of stunted children is still above the WHO standard making it public health concern. Factors causing stunting are low parenting styles and family food security, poverty and low quality of environmental health.
"If you look at the causal factors of the marriage dispensation and stunting, the family is an important foundation. Therefore creating a quality family is something that needs to be done," she said.
According to Dr Tin Herawati, the characteristics of a quality family according to Law No. 52 of 2009 are healthy, prosperous, harmonious, advanced, independent, forward-looking, formed by a valid marriage, devoted to The Almighty God, ideal number of children, and be responsible.
"To build a quality family, it is necessary to build a feeling of security in the family, mutual support, respect and appreciation among family members, a healthy and comfortable home environment and the need for exemplary parents in everyday life," she said.
In the coordination meeting, Dr Melly Latifah, IKK IPB University Lecturer also explained Parenting Material to Prevent Stunting. Dr Melly emphasized the importance of quality parenting, which includes psychosocial stimulation in preventing stunting. (*/Zul) (IAAS/DSR)
