<![CDATA[Background: Public health is one of the key indicators of national development success and a top priority in sustainable development processes. In Indonesia, health promotion at the primary healthcare center (Puskesmas) level serves as the frontline for implementing education and campaigns on the importance of balanced nutrition. At Gambir Baru Primary Healthcare Center, Asahan Regency, various health promotion activities have been conducted, ranging from health education sessions and leaflet distribution to the use of audiovisual media. However, preliminary survey results indicate that the level of community understanding and awareness. Objective: This study aims to examine regarding the importance of balanced nutrition remains very low. the role of health promotion policies in increasing community awareness of balanced nutrition at Gambir Baru Primary Healthcare Center, Asahan Regency. Methods: This study employed a descriptive qualitative research design. Informants included the Head of the Primary Healthcare Center, healthcare staff, nutrition cadres, village midwives, and housewives. Results: The role of health promotion policies at Gambir Baru Primary Healthcare Center has been implemented effectively through three main approaches: advocacy, partnership, and community empowerment. Through advocacy, the Primary Healthcare Center successfully encouraged support from village governments, the Family Welfare Movement (PKK), and community leaders in the form of local policies, such as the allocation of budgets for nutrition-related activities and cadre training. Partnerships established between the Primary Healthcare Center, PKK, and nutrition cadres created synergy in the implementation of nutrition education and promotion, enabling health messages to reach a wider audience despite limited healthcare personnel. Furthermore, community empowerment strengthened residents’ knowledge and sense of responsibility regarding the importance of balanced nutrition. Community members were involved from the planning stage by identifying local nutrition problems, determining the themes of educational activities, and providing input on menus and activities that were appropriate to local socioeconomic conditions. Conclusion: Although the findings indicate positive outcomes, continuous and sustained efforts are still required to further enhance community awareness and ensure the long-term adoption of healthy lifestyle behaviors]]>
