Village Authority in Stunting Prevention: Achieving Local Governance Autonomy & Intervention Convergence

Stunting reduction has been elevated to a national priority, requiring a decisive shift in how local governments operate. Situbondo Regent Regulation (Perbup) Number 46 of 2022 was established to define the specific Local Governance Autonomy of Villages and Kelurahans in stunting prevention. Following the mandate of Presidential Regulation No. 72 of 2021, this framework ensures Integrated Intervention Convergence. By integrating planning, budgeting, and execution at the village level, the state ensures that stunting reduction is not just a top-down instruction, but a community-led movement.
This regulation strengthens the monitoring and evaluation systems within villages, ensuring that interventions are holistic, integrative, and of high quality to meet national strategic pillars.

The Four Pillars of Village Authority

To achieve Local Governance Autonomy in health matters, every village possesses legal powers to act against stunting. These authorities, as outlined in the prevailing laws, include:

1. Authority Based on Origin Rights: Utilizing traditional village structures and wisdom to manage community health.
2. Local-Scale Village Authority: Independent decision-making regarding health programs that specifically impact the village territory.
3. Delegated Authority from Higher Government: Specific tasks assigned by Central, Provincial, or Regional governments to be executed locally.
4. Statutory Mandated Authority: Other responsibilities assigned through specific legislative acts to ensure national health targets are met.

Core Activities for Intervention Convergence

To realize Integrated Intervention Convergence, villages are responsible for executing a specific suite of activities. According to Perbup Situbondo 46/2022, these mandatory actions include:

• Village Land Management (TKD): Utilizing village-owned land to support nutritional programs or health facilities.
• Community Health Empowerment: Direct education and coaching for residents on maternal and child nutrition.
• Facility Development: Expanding and maintaining Village Health Posts (Poskesdes) and Village Polyclinics.
• Clean Water Governance: Managing village-scale drinking water systems to ensure sanitary conditions.
• Healthy Village Houses (RDS): Developing and managing the Rumah Desa Sehat as a hub for stunting coordination.
• Democratic Deliberation: Hosting the mandatory Village Stunting Rembuk to synchronize the annual work plan and budget.

Why Local Governance Autonomy is Essential

Implementing this regulation is a masterclass in Integrated Intervention Convergence. It provides:

• Budgetary Precision: Villages can legally allocate Dana Desa for stunting because the Perbup grants them the specific authority to do so.
• Technical Accountability: By defining activities like RDS and Water Management, the committee ensures that “Sensitive Interventions” are actually happening on the ground.
• Sustainability: When stunting prevention is embedded into village authority, it remains a priority regardless of changes in higher-level political cycles.

Conclusion: The Village as the Frontline of Health

In conclusion, Perbup Situbondo Number 46 of 2022 is the definitive instrument for Local Governance Autonomy and Integrated Intervention Convergence. It empowers village leaders to take ownership of their community’s biological future. By coordinating planning, budgeting, and supervision, Situbondo is creating a resilient system where every village becomes a fortress against stunting. When the village is strong and healthy, the entire nation thrives.

Visit the Village Regulations page for official access.