Darya-Varia Expands Anti-Stunting CSR Program Ahead of 50th Anniversary

PT Darya-Varia Laboratoria Tbk (Darya-Varia), a pharmaceutical company nearing its 50th year of operation in Indonesia, has expanded its corporate social responsibility (CSR) program aimed at combating childhood stunting. The company held a “Toddler Graduation” event on Friday as part of its ‘Generasi Sehat, Komunitas Berdaya’ (Healthy Generation, Empowered Community) initiative in Bogor Regency.

The event, held in Cibatok 1 Village, serves as a tangible step in supporting the government’s national program to reduce stunting. It also marks a milestone in the company’s long-term community investment ahead of its golden anniversary. The program, which began in 2018 focusing on Cibatok 2 Village, was expanded this year to include Cibatok 1 Village following observed positive impacts.

Dr. Ian Martin Wibawa Kloer, President Director of Darya-Varia, stated that the initiative is a core component of the company’s mission to build nutritional and health resilience from the household level. “We believe that health is the foundation of the future. Through collaboration and innovation, we aim to be a trusted partner for Indonesian families to grow together towards a healthier life,” he said.

The “Toddler Graduation” ceremony recognized children for improvements in their nutritional status and served as an educational platform for parents and community health cadres on parenting, balanced nutrition, and preventative healthcare.

The comprehensive anti-stunting program, which enters a new phase in September 2024, includes:

• Direct assistance for 40 toddlers, 18 pregnant women, and 2 breastfeeding mothers.
• Provision of supplementary food (PMT).

• Nutrition education and skills training related to family health.

• Sustainable support through the development of community food gardens.

Dr. Ian emphasized that the company’s commitment extends beyond manufacturing pharmaceutical products. “This Toddler Graduation is a symbol of our commitment to future generations. This is realized through our third pillar, which is supporting family welfare through sustainable CSR programs run with an inclusive and participatory approach,” he added.

The event was attended by over 100 participants, including company representatives, beneficiaries from both villages, volunteers, implementation partner BenihBaik.com, and officials from the local government, sub-district, and community health centers (Puskesmas).

Local government officials praised the program’s collaborative nature. Fauzan Asmi, representing the Cibungbulang Sub-district Head, noted, “This is not just a ceremony, but part of a serious step and a joint decision by all parties—parents, cadres, and institutions—who care about toddler development.”

Village heads from both Cibatok 1 and Cibatok 2 highlighted the program’s tangible results, including a decrease in stunting cases and the effective use of local food sources like cassava and moringa leaves.