Behaviour Prevention of Stunting among the Indigenous People on The Coast of Bintan Island, Kepulauan Riau Province, Indonesia

The behaviour program demonstrates the potential of localized, culturally sensitive interventions in addressing public health issues in marginalized communities. The Suku Laut people are a marginalized community facing numerous health challenges, with stunting among children being a significant issue. This study focuses on the rantang sehat initiative, a targeted early intervention program aimed at preventing stunting within this vulnerable population. The research examines the effectiveness of the program, which provides nutritionally balanced meals to pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young children (Bayi Lima Tahun/Balita). The findings indicate a noticeable reduction in stunting prevalence among the children who participated in the program, highlighting the importance of consistent access to nutritious food during critical periods of growth. This study reveals the community’s perceptions of the program, noting an increase in awareness regarding the importance of nutrition for maternal and child health.