Following reports of malnutrition in Asmat, Papua, the media quoted the Jakarta Health Agency late last month as stating that 293 malnourished toddlers were being treated at public health facilities. 

The Jakarta Post reported that malnutrition cases had occurred in all five municipalities and one regency in Jakarta with 102 cases reported in West Jakarta, 68 cases in East Jakarta, 51 in North Jakarta, 50 in South Jakarta, 19 in Central Jakarta and three in Thousand Islands regency. 

While chronic malnutrition in Asmat has led to the shocking deaths of over 65 infants, the cases reported in Jakarta prove that malnutrition occurs not only in under developed or remote places, but right in the heart of the country.

Indonesia also faces a stunting problem. According to the Health Ministry, in 2013 37.3 percent, or around 9 million o...

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post.