Peranan Lurah dalam Menangani Stunting di Kelurahan Tapian Nauli II, Kecamatan Tapian Nauli, Kabupaten Tapanuli Tengah Sumatera Utara

Abstract

Peranan pemerintah kelurahan merupakan elemen penting dalam mendukung keberhasilan pembangunan kesehatan masyarakat melalui kepemimpinan lurah sebagai pengambil keputusan dan penggerak di tingkat lokal. Lurah memiliki posisi strategis dalam mengoordinasikan berbagai pihak serta membimbing aparatur dalam pelaksanaan program kesehatan. Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis peranan lurah dalam penanganan stunting di Kelurahan Tapian Nauli II serta mengidentifikasi kendala yang dihadapi. Metode yang digunakan adalah pendekatan kualitatif deskriptif melalui wawancara, observasi, dan dokumentasi dengan lurah, perangkat kelurahan, kader posyandu, tenaga kesehatan, dan masyarakat. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa lurah telah menjalankan perannya sebagai penentu arah, juru bicara, komunikator, mediator, pengambil keputusan, motivator, dan pengawas dalam menangani stunting. Peranan tersebut diwujudkan dengan menjadikan stunting sebagai prioritas program, memperkuat koordinasi lintas sektor, serta mendukung kegiatan posyandu dan sosialisasi kesehatan. Pada fungsi motivator, lurah berupaya mendorong partisipasi masyarakat melalui pendekatan persuasif, namun masih menghadapi kendala berupa rendahnya keterlibatan warga dalam kegiatan pencegahan stunting. Keterbatasan pemahaman mengenai gizi, pola asuh, serta faktor sosial ekonomi turut memengaruhi efektivitas program. Penelitian ini menyimpulkan bahwa peranan lurah tergolong cukup efektif, tetapi perlu penguatan strategi komunikasi dan pemberdayaan masyarakat agar penurunan stunting berjalan lebih optimal dan berkelanjutan. The role of the village government is a crucial element in supporting the success of public health development through the leadership of the village head as a decision-maker and driving force at the local level. The village head holds a strategic position in coordinating various parties and guiding officials in implementing health programs. This study aims to analyze the village head's role in handling stunting in Tapian Nauli II Village and identify the obstacles faced. The method used is a descriptive qualitative approach through interviews, observations, and documentation with the village head, village officials, integrated health post (Posyandu) cadres, health workers, and the community. The results show that the village head has carried out his role as a direction setter, spokesperson, communicator, mediator, decision-maker, motivator, and supervisor in handling stunting. This role is realized by making stunting a program priority, strengthening cross-sector coordination, and supporting Posyandu activities and health outreach. In his motivating function, the village head strives to encourage community participation through a persuasive approach, but still faces obstacles in the form of low community involvement in stunting prevention activities. Limited understanding of nutrition, parenting patterns, and socioeconomic factors also affect the program's effectiveness. This study concludes that the role of village heads is quite effective, but communication strategies and community empowerment are needed to ensure optimal and sustainable stunting reduction.