The number of malnourished children and stunted children under-five is a significant problem in Indonesia. In 2013, the national rate of malnourished children was 12.1% while 37.21% for disabled children.

The National Development Plan (RPJMN) for 2020-2024 adopted by a Presidential Regulation set as a goal the improvement of all citzens nutritional status. 

The objective of the initiative is to improve the nutritional value and taste of the supplementary food provided to the target groups of malnourished and disabled children as part of the Supplementary Food for Recovery Program (PMT-P).

To improve the effectiveness of the PMT-P program the Public Health Service (Puskesmas) has established OMABA cooking centers in communities supported by different stakeholders, including government actors and public, and state-owned enterprises. The cooking centers allow residents to take charge of the preparation of food for children. Cooking Center activities emphasizepublic participation and supports empowerment through practice.

Initially, the initiative was funded by the city government, followed by a stronger promotion of ownership by the community. Through a community empowerment fundestablished by PT Pertamina (an Indonesian state-owned oil and natural gas corporation), residents involved in OMABA cooking centers were trained in finance and business. Existing Market gardens were used as source for further supply to the cooking centers and for the production of products such as frozen food and pastries.

The OMABA cooking centres have played an important role, in reducing the rate of malnourished children and in empowering women to address community health issues.

The initiative has improved the nutritional status of children under-five in the pilot district. Malnourished children status decreased from 29 cases in 2013 to 0 cases in 2019.

The initiative has helped to improve the quality of children’s life. The number of toddlers weighed in Community Integrated Health Services (Posyandu) increased from 74.3% in 2013 to 78.89% in 2019.

The main challenge is the sustainability of funding and volunteering. Government funding sources are limited due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The initiative follows an evolutionary concept. Modifications are based on collective learnings and a reflection process of experiences. The OMABA concept has been replicated by the Puskesmas of Tasikmalaya City and other cities.

Shortlisted city at the 5^th GUANGZHOU International Award for Urban Innovation:

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