Pancoi Biscuit from Buah Merah ( Pandanus conoideus ): A Local Food-Based Intervention for Stunting Prevention in West Papua

Stunting remains a major public health problem in Indonesia, especially in West Papua, where chronic malnutrition impairs growth of children. Maternal nutrition during pregnancy is crucial for fetal development, and inadequate intake increases the risk of stunting. Utilization of local food resources offers a sustainable preventive approach. This study investigated the potential of buah merah (Pandanus conoideus) through the development of Pancoi Biscuit as a local nutritional supplement for pregnant women. A true experimental design was used to analyze nutritional content and consumer acceptance. Each 30 g serving of Pancoi Biscuit provides 110 kcal energy, 3 g protein, 1 g fat, 0.63 g vitamin D, and 0.75 g zinc, fulfilling at least 10% of the Indonesian Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for pregnant women. A hedonic test with 30 untrained panelists indicated an 83.20% acceptance rate for color, aroma, taste, texture, and overall appeal. These findings show that Pancoi Biscuit is both nutritionally beneficial and well-accepted by consumers. This innovation supports the SDGs, particularly Goals 2 and 3 (Zero Hunger, Good Health, and Well-being), and aligns with Indonesia's Asta Cita to strengthen food security, enhance human resources, and reduce stunting. Thus, Pancoi Biscuit demonstrated strong potential as a locally driven stunting prevention strategy.