EVALUATING THE STUNTING REDUCTION POLICY IN BARRU REGENCY: TOWARD A SUSTAINABLE POLICY EVALUATION MODEL

Abstract

Stunting remains a critical development issue that affects the quality of human resources. In Indonesia, stunting reduction has been positioned as a national policy priority through a cross-sectoral convergence approach. Barru Regency achieved a significant reduction in stunting prevalence in 2022; however, this progress was not maintained, as prevalence increased again in subsequent years.
This study aims to evaluate the implementation of the stunting reduction policy in Barru Regency and to develop the Sustainable Stunting Policy Evaluation Model (SSPEM) as a conceptual framework for assessing policy sustainability. This study employs a descriptive qualitative approach with a case study design based on secondary document analysis. The documents analysed include the Indonesian Nutritional Status Survey (SSGI) reports for 2021, 2022, and 2024; the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey (SKI); the 2024 Report of the South Sulawesi Provincial Stunting Reduction Acceleration Team (TPPS); Barru Regent Regulation Number 41 of 2022; and relevant scientific publications. The evaluation was conducted using Theory of Change, Logic Model, and SWOT analysis. The findings indicate that the policy design has a sound program logic and is supported by various local innovations. However, its implementation has not been sustained due to weak implementation consistency, limited intervention coverage, and an insufficiently optimized monitoring system. This study proposes SSPEM as a preliminary conceptual model that positions implementation sustainability as a key factor linking outcomes and impacts. The model may serve as an evaluation framework for local governments seeking to strengthen the effectiveness and sustainability of stunting reduction policies, although further empirical testing and validation are required.