Depok, June 30, 2025 — Sumedang Regency faces serious challenges in achieving its stunting prevalence targets, in line with the national target of 20% by 2024 and Sumedang’s local goal of “zero new stunting” cases. In her dissertation, Dr. Mutia Rahman emphasized that collaborative governance can be a key approach to tackling this complex issue.

“This requires active involvement not only from the government but also from non-government actors, including grassroots communities,” explained Dr. Mutia.

Dr. Mutia stated that addressing stunting is not solely a health issue, as around 70% of interventions are sensitive in nature and require strong cross-sectoral coordination. Her research in Sumedang found that collaboration in stunting management still needs significant improvement.

“The dynamics of collaborative governance in Sumedang still need serious attention, particularly regarding principled engagement, shared motivation, and the capacity for joint action, both at the policy and operational levels,” said Dr. Mutia.

The study found that collaboration tends to work well when there is interdependence among stakeholders and clear, tangible results are achieved. However, collaboration becomes difficult in situations of uncertainty and when leadership to initiate action is still lacking.

“This research offers critical insights into how we can improve stunting management efforts through more effective collaboration,” stated Dr. Mutia.

She further explained that her research shows the need to go beyond sectoral approaches and ensure that all stakeholders share a common understanding, strong motivation, and the capacity to act together for the better future of our children.

The doctoral defense was chaired by Prof. Dr. Dra. Retno Kusumastuti Hardjono, M.Si., with Prof. Dr. Amy Yayuk Sri Rahayu, M.Si., as the main supervisor and Prof. Dr. Irfan Ridwan Maksum, M.Si., as the co-supervisor. The examining committee also included Prof. Dr. Ratu Ayu Dewi Sartika, Apt. M.Sc., Prof. Dr. Eko Prasojo, Mag.rer.publ., Dr. Roy Valiant Salomo, M.Soc.Sc., and Dr. Lina Miftahul Jannah, M.Si.