U.S. Embassy Jakarta and Millennium Challenge Corporation Launch Community-Based Nutrition Program

On April 24, U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia Scot Marciel officially launched the implementation phase of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) compact with Indonesia at a special event in Jakarta. The $600 million compact contains more than $130 million for a community-based nutrition project to reduce stunting.

More than a third of Indonesian children under five are estimated to suffer from stunted growth that can affect their future earnings and the economic growth of Indonesia over the long term. The MCC project, which will focus on the critical 1,000 days between pregnancy and a child’s second birthday, aims to reach pregnant mothers and families with small children in 11 provinces in Java, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and eastern Indonesia by strengthening the health system in these areas while also educating and building community demand for the health and sanitation improvements needed to combat stunting.

The April 24 event marked the transfer of the first tranche of funding for the project—approximately $22 million—which will be implemented over the next five years.