ENHANCING COMMUNITY KNOWLEDGE IN BANJAR SEMINAI VILLAGE REGARDING SILVER CATFISH NUGGET CONSUMPTION THROUGH THE GEMARIKAN (LOVE EATING FISH) MOVEMENT AS AN EFFORT TO PREVENT STUNTING

Abstract

Stunting remains a critical nutritional issue in Indonesia, significantly impacting physical growth, cognitive development, and overall human resource quality. One key strategy to prevent stunting is boosting animal protein intake through the Gemar Ikan (Love Eating Fish) movement. This community service activity aimed to enhance the knowledge of residents in Banjar Seminai Village regarding the benefits of silver catfish consumption via nutritional education and product innovation using silver catfish nuggets for stunting prevention. The program was conducted by the Impactful Community Service (KKN) Team from Universitas Riau on July 14, 2026, at Posyandu Melati, Banjar Seminai Village, Dayun District, Siak Regency. The target audience included pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, mothers with toddlers, Posyandu health cadres, and local community members. The implementation method comprised pre-activity surveys and coordination, educational sessions on stunting and fish consumption benefits, interactive discussions, and a cooking demonstration on making silver catfish nuggets as a nutritious local food innovation. The results demonstrated high participant enthusiasm and a notable increase in knowledge regarding the benefits of fish as a high-quality animal protein source, the importance of adequate nutrition during the First 1,000 Days of Life (1,000 HPK), and techniques to process silver catfish into appealing, child-friendly meals. Furthermore, the program heightened public awareness of utilizing local fishery potential as a viable household nutrition source. Ultimately, implementing the Gemar Ikan program through nutrition education and silver catfish nugget innovation serves as an effective strategy to boost community knowledge and support sustainable stunting prevention efforts in Banjar Seminai Village.