Regional Clustering for Stunting Prevalence Analysis in Central Java Using Possibilistic Fuzzy C-Means (PFCM) Algorithm

Stunting is a condition in toddler where their growth is impaired, resulting in a height significantly below what is considered normal for their age. Indonesia has a notably high prevalence of stunting, reaching 24.4% in 2021. Central Java is one of the provinces that became a central government focus in accelerating the reduction of stunting prevalence. Several factors contribute to the high prevalence of stunting in Central Java, including inadequate nutrition for children and pregnant women resulting in low birth weight, insufficient exclusive breastfeeding, a high rate of early marriages, limited access to sanitation and clean water sources, and the economic inability of families to meet the nutritional needs of mothers and children. This requires regional mapping based on stunting variables to create targeted policies. This study examines the grouping of districts/cities in Central Java Province using the Possibilistic Fuzzy C-Means (PFCM) algorithm. A fuzzy silhouette coefficient is used to identify an optimal number of clusters. Application of this method demonstrates that the districts/cities within this province can be clustered into five groups.