Unpacking the discourses of stunting in Indonesian early childhood education and parenting

This academic paper examines how stunting is discussed and addressed in Indonesian early childhood education and parenting contexts. Using ethnographic research and policy analysis, the authors argue that dominant discourses about stunting focus narrowly on individual nutrition while overlooking broader societal factors. The paper contends that these discourses function as a form of state control, positioning children, teachers and parents as subjects of surveillance rather than empowering them to address underlying causes.

Key points

• Stunting discourses in Indonesia are analyzed as a form of biopower that regulates children, teachers, and parents
• Current approaches focus narrowly on individual and nutrition aspects rather than larger societal problems
• Children, teachers, and parents are produced as 'docile bodies' subject to state surveillance
• The study combines long-term ethnographic data with analysis of Indonesian policy documents
• There is a gap between how stunting is framed in policy and the complex realities facing families

Limitations

This is a critical discourse analysis paper rather than an evaluation of interventions or outcomes. It does not measure stunting rates, program effectiveness, or provide quantitative evidence about what approaches successfully reduce stunting in Indonesian children.