Aurima Hanun Kusuma, Bambang Budi Raharjo, Eko Farida

Evaluation of the Implementation of the Exclusive Breast Milk (ASI) Program Policy in the City of Semarang

Introduction

Evaluation of the implementation of the exclusive breast milk (asi) program policy in the city of semarang. Evaluate Semarang's exclusive breastfeeding policy implementation, identifying challenges like low awareness and supervision, but noting increasing coverage. Crucial for infant & maternal health.

Abstract

Exclusive breastfeeding is an important policy to ensure the health of infants and mothers. Semarang, as one of Indonesia's metropolitan cities, faces challenges in implementing this policy. Evaluation of the exclusive breastfeeding program is necessary to understand its implementation success and influencing factors. This study aims to evaluate the implementation of the exclusive breastfeeding policy in Semarang. The method used is qualitative research with a case study approach. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with health officials, lactating mothers, and relevant stakeholders in Semarang's exclusive breastfeeding policy implementation. The research findings indicate several challenges in the implementation, such as low public awareness of the importance of exclusive breastfeeding and inadequate government supervision. Based on the research results, evaluation of input from various research informants indicates that the planned breastfeeding program has been well communicated despite some obstacles. Program evaluation is conducted monthly by health centers through recording and reporting. Evaluation of the implementation of the exclusive breastfeeding policy in Semarang is carried out using an output evaluation model, assessing the coverage rate of exclusive breastfeeding in Semarang, which shows an increase in the coverage rate of exclusive breastfeeding.

Review

This study addresses a highly relevant and critical public health topic: the implementation of exclusive breastfeeding policies. The focus on Semarang, a metropolitan city, provides a valuable context for understanding the unique challenges faced in urban settings within Indonesia. The chosen qualitative research approach, employing a case study design with in-depth interviews across various stakeholders (health officials, lactating mothers, and relevant parties), appears appropriate for capturing the nuances and complexities of policy implementation from multiple perspectives. The stated aim to evaluate implementation success and influencing factors is clear and directly aligned with the research design. The abstract presents a mixed picture regarding the policy's implementation. While it highlights significant challenges, such as low public awareness of exclusive breastfeeding's importance and inadequate government supervision, it also suggests that the planned program has been "well communicated despite some obstacles." Furthermore, it notes that monthly evaluations are conducted by health centers, and an output evaluation model, assessing the coverage rate, indicates an increase in exclusive breastfeeding coverage. The apparent tension between identified implementation challenges (low awareness, supervision deficits) and the reported increase in coverage merits deeper exploration in the full paper to understand how these factors interact and how the program achieves positive outputs despite the obstacles. Overall, the study promises to offer valuable insights into the practical realities of exclusive breastfeeding policy implementation in an Indonesian urban context. The identification of specific challenges like public awareness and supervision issues provides actionable areas for improvement. However, for the full paper, a more detailed reconciliation of the persistent challenges with the reported increase in coverage would enhance the clarity and practical utility of the findings. Further elaboration on the magnitude of the coverage increase, the specific strategies employed for communication, and the nature of the "obstacles" encountered despite good communication would greatly strengthen the study's contribution to policy and practice.

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