Fostering Cultural Synergy to Address Stunting: Community Resilience in Urban-Rural Coastal Belawan Bahari Sulian Ekomila (a), Daniel H Parlindungan Simanjuntak (b), Puspitawati (c), Halimatus Sa^diyah (d), Pramudita e)
(a,b,c,d,e) Pendidikan Antropologi, Universitas Negeri Medan
Abstract
This article discusses how the urban-rural coastal community in Belawan Bahari Village, Medan City, addresses stunting, viewed not merely as a medical issue but as the outcome of complex social, cultural, economic, ecological, and gender interactions. Conducted in response to persistently high stunting rates reflecting structural and ecological injustices, especially in coastal areas affected by tidal flooding, poverty, and social exclusion, this qualitative case study involved eight key informants-housewives, posyandu cadres, and community leaders. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and document analysis. The analysis integrated perspectives from economic anthropology and environmental anthropology to explore how social capital-including mutual aid, family ties, and ecological adaptation-helps families cope amid limited resources. Bourdieu^s theories of habitus and capital were used to understand how socio-economic background and power relations within households, particularly male dominance, shape parenting practices, health behaviors, and decisions about child nutrition. The social determinants of health framework further highlighted how social and environmental contexts fundamentally affect child health outcomes. Findings show that the community developed collective coping strategies, such as leveraging informal networks, providing nutritious food assistance, and adapting to recurrent tidal flooding. These strategies emerged in an environment of chronic vulnerability, where most households survive on less than one million rupiah per month and rely on informal work as day laborers, scavengers, or part-time fishermen. Social capital manifested through a culture of mutual aid supports community resilience against ecological challenges and gaps in public services. However, disparities were observed in posyandu participation: while most informants attended regularly, some were reluctant or stopped altogether due to shame or lack of trust. This underscores that merely providing health services does not ensure equitable use, as cultural norms, perceived risks, and economic pressures all influence participation. Additionally, food aid distribution from government agencies, community groups, and CSR initiatives proved inconsistent, undermining the sustainability of these interventions. The study underscores the need for community-based, multisectoral interventions that are sensitive to social capital, spatial dynamics, gender relations, and local culture. The novelty of this research lies in combining anthropology, sociology, and geography to view stunting as a reflection of broader social and ecological injustices, while also illuminating the role of gender and household practices in shaping coping strategies. The study offers a conceptual model potentially applicable to other coastal communities facing similar challenges. Recommendations highlight the importance of policies rooted in social justice, gender equity, and women^s empowerment as key drivers of stunting prevention at the household and community levels. Ultimately, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of coastal public health and supports the design of more inclusive, culturally responsive stunting intervention programs.
