THE ROLE OF PENTAHELIX IN THE IRON SUPPLEMENTATION PROGRAM AT ISLAMIC BOARDING SCHOOLS

Introduction: Anaemia remains a public health issue in Indonesia, with a notably high prevalence, especially in Islamic boarding schools. Collaboration between the government, community, private sector, and media through the pentahelix approach is essential to address this problem. This study aims to illustrate the roles of each actor within the pentahelix framework in the iron supplementation programme at Islamic boarding schools in Kediri Regency, East Java. Methods: This study used qualitative methods, collecting data through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) held in Kediri Regency in June 2024. FGD participants included 15 pentahelix actors, divided into government and non-government groups to ensure homogeneous discussion groups. The FGDs were recorded and transcribed verbatim, and the data were then analysed to identify research themes. Results: The research findings are outlined in three themes related to enhancing the role of the pentahelix in the iron supplementation programme at Islamic boarding schools in Kediri Regency: 1) The role of pentahelix actors, 2) Challenges of pentahelix, and 3) Opportunities for each pentahelix actor. Conclusion: The analysis shows that academics are the most dominant actors. However, this actor has limitations as it has yet to focus on the iron supplementation programme, highlighting the need for other actors specific and systematic involvement. Efforts to realise the iron supplementation programme will be optimal by applying collaborative governance with the pentahelix model. Keywords: Pentahelix, Islamic Boarding Schools, Anaemia, Iron Supplementation Programme