The Determinants of Child Nutritional Status in Indonesia

This study examines the determinants of child nutritional status in Indonesia. In particular the study uses data from the 2004 Indonesian Socio Economic Survey data to analyze the role of individual, household and environmental characteristics in determining the nutrition status of children in the age range 0 to 5. In the analysis special attention is paid to those variables that form part of the government’s programme (KADARZI) to reduce malnutrition. The study finds that regular body weight control, which is the first indicator of the KADARZI programme, is more likely to occur in households where parents are more educated, there are a smaller number of siblings under age five, households live close to the posyandu (health centre), and households residing in rural areas and on Java Island. The second indicator that is breastfeeding practices as measured by breastfeeding period and timing of introduction of complementary foods for the first time is associated with higher levels of nutrition. Having nutritional supplementation that is the fifth indicator of the KADARZI programme such as a vitamin A capsule for children and iron tablets for pregnant woman is related to higher nutrition levels. Other factors for instance age and sex of child, health shocks, area and region of resident, parental education levels, and household assets also have an impact on child nutritional status. The findings suggest that the promotion of utilizing the posyandu, the importance and guidance of breastfeeding practice, and the magnitude of nutritional supplementation that are included in the KADARZI programme should be further encouraged.