Communities in six villages in Tuban Regency are now beginning to optimize the use of their home yards as a self-sufficient source of nutritious food. This initiative is packaged in the Family Nutrition Garden (TaGiKa) Development Program, which aims to reduce stunting rates while anticipating the risk of non-communicable diseases from an early stage.
As part of capacity building, 30 members of the TaGiKa Working Group (Pokja) received intensive training on family nutrition fulfillment in Rengel District, Tuban. This activity was integrated with the provision of free health examination facilities, which were attended by at least 45 local residents.
Soko Public Health Center (Puskesmas) Nutritionist, Erma Dewiarti, emphasized the importance of balanced nutrition, especially during the First 1,000 Days of Life (HPK). According to her, the best health investment starts with healthy eating habits in the family by utilizing a variety of food ingredients, without having to rely on expensive food items.
Meanwhile, Food Security Analyst from the Tuban Food Security, Fisheries, and Agriculture Department (DKP2P), Wiwin Rista Kuswanti, encouraged residents to utilize their yards. Home yards are not only projected for planting vegetables and fruits, but also serve as a practical educational tool for families to recognize easily accessible healthy food.
In addition to food education, residents also received medical check-up services covering blood sugar, cholesterol, uric acid, and blood pressure levels. This free service was organized by the eL-SAL Indonesia Foundation in collaboration with the Institute of Science, Technology, and Health (ISTEK) ICsada Bojonegoro to detect non-communicable diseases based on the community's nutritional status.
This sustainable program was initiated by ExxonMobil Cepu Limited (EMCL) together with SKK Migas. EMCL representative, Feni K. Indiharti, explained that the contribution of the upstream oil and gas industry is in line with the priority programs of the Tuban Regency Government to improve the welfare and health of communities around the company's operational areas.
Chairman of the eL-SAL Indonesia Foundation, Imam Muqroni, hopes that active cadres will mobilize residents in their respective environments to adopt healthy lifestyles. The collaboration between the community, local government, academia, and the industrial sector is expected to create sustainable family health independence in Bumi Wali.
