Proposal for the free nutritious meal model with family nutritional food independence (RAPILA) ISTIMEWA

Abstract

Stunting, as a manifestation of chronic malnutrition during the critical first 1,000 days of life, remains a major public health issue in Indonesia, with significant implications for human capital development and socio-economic progress. National surveys reveal that approximately 24.4% of Indonesian children under five suffer from stunting, indicating persistent inequality in access to nutrition, healthcare, and clean water—especially in underserved rural areas. This condition is exacerbated by extreme poverty, which affects around 9.5% of the population and further restricts families' ability to provide nutrient-rich diets and essential health services. Addressing this dual burden requires a multisectoral approach that promotes food security, maternal and child health, and community-based economic empowerment. This study employs qualitative descriptive methods to analyze the integration of engineering disciplines and village resource optimization in combating stunting and extreme poverty. The proposed solution is a Hexa-Helix model that leverages the synergy of academia, business, community, government, media, and society to implement sustainable interventions. Moreover, this paper presents the Family Nutritious Food Yard Program (RAPILA) as an alternative to free meal distribution, emphasizing household-level nutritional independence through small-scale integrated farming systems equipped with smart technology. Initial surveys show full community willingness to cultivate their own yards for food production, and further development involves modular rack designs supported by IoT features. The results suggest this integrated model is both scalable and adaptable, offering a viable path toward achieving stunting-free, prosperous communities.

Keywords: Free nutritious meal; food security; stunting reduction; integrated farming; RAPILA