Nutritional status of primary school-age children and its determinants in Central Java

Highlights

Ensuring good nutrition for school-age children is essential for their growth, learning, and long-term health. In Indonesia, however, malnutrition remains a pressing concern, with persistent undernutrition now coupled with rising rates of childhood overweight and obesity.

To help address these challenges, UNICEF worked with the ministries of health, education, and religious affairs to launch a pilot programme in 2022. First implemented in Tegal District, Central Java, the programme promotes healthier lifestyles through nutrition education, stronger school food environments, and capacity building among teachers, health workers, and the wider school community. Following encouraging results, the programme was expanded in 2023–2024 to four areas: Semarang, Surakarta, Kudus, and Tegal, with a renewed focus on strengthening local systems to prevent childhood obesity alongside other forms of malnutrition.

To evaluate the programme’s progress, UNICEF partnered with SEAMEO-RECFON to conduct baseline and endline studies. Explore the reports to learn more about the programme’s impact and findings:

1. Baseline survey (2024)

This study collected data from 798 students and their parents in 40 schools, alongside insights from teachers, health workers, and food vendors. The findings provided critical groundwork for improving school environments and shaping interventions to support healthier diets among children.

2. Endline survey (2025)

This follow-up survey revisited the same schools and respondents. Results show notable improvements in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours related to balanced nutrition and physical activity among children, parents, and the wider school community. The findings also highlight opportunities to further strengthen school and community action for preventing childhood obesity and fostering healthier food environments across Indonesia.