The North Jakarta Food Security, Maritime, and Agriculture Sub-agency (KPKP) Sub-agency is intensifying the Fish Eating Campaign (Gemarikan). This year, the program targets 2,000 elementary and kindergarten students across six sub-districts.

North Jakarta KPKP Sub-agency Head Novy Christine Palit noted that the Safari Gemarikan program targeting elementary school-level students has been implemented at MIN 22 Rorotan in Cilincing Sub-district and MI Al Jihad in Papanggo, Tanjung Priok Sub-district.

Further, the sub-agency has distributed 1,000 processed fish food packages to the students, featuring items such as fish katsu, fish meatballs, and bandeng presto (pressure-cooked milkfish).

"We have successfully distributed 1,000 processed fish packages to elementary students," she expressed, Friday (9/25).

She explained that target schools were chosen in coordination with the North Jakarta Ministry of Religious Affairs Office and North Jakarta Education Sub-agencies Regions I and II to ensure proper program reach."

"The remaining 1,000 packages will be distributed to kindergarten and early childhood students on September 29, 2026, featuring fish katsu," she explained.

North Jakarta Maritime and Fisheries Section Head Riyadi Akbar added that Gemarikan aims to boost fish consumption in North Jakarta.

He noted that fish provides essential animal protein and amino acids necessary for children's physical and brain development.

"This program aims to build early fish consumption habits and support stunting prevention efforts," he continued.

Besides distributing processed fish packages, the event educated parents on nutrition and creative ways to prepare fish for children."

Riyadi hoped that families would adopt these habits so fish consumption becomes part of their daily diet, not just during Gemarikan events.

"By cultivating children's fish consumption habits and meeting their nutritional needs, we hope to help lower stunting rates in North Jakarta," he stated.