<![CDATA[Stunting remains a public health problem in Padangsidimpuan City, with a prevalence reaching 30.3%. Stunting prevention needs to begin premarital by improving literacy among prospective brides and grooms. Islamic religious leaders are trusted figures in the community and have the potential to act as ambassadors for exclusive breastfeeding in premarital education. This study aims to explore the perceptions of Islamic religious leaders regarding the development of their role as exclusive breastfeeding ambassadors in premarital education as an effort to prevent stunting in Padangsidimpuan City. The study used a qualitative approach with a phenomenological design. Six informants were purposively selected, consisting of Islamic religious leaders involved in premarital counseling. Data were collected through in-depth interviews using a semi-structured interview guide and analyzed thematically. The analysis yielded five themes: 1) religious leaders' understanding of stunting and exclusive breastfeeding; 2) perceptions of developing their role as exclusive breastfeeding ambassadors; 3) readiness and capacity building needs; and 4) expectations for model development. Religious leaders demonstrated positive perceptions and expressed a willingness to act as exclusive breastfeeding ambassadors, with support from training, modules, educational media, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and cross-sector collaboration. Islamic religious leaders have significant potential to be empowered as exclusive breastfeeding ambassadors in premarital education. Developing a model supported by capacity building and cross-sector collaboration is expected to improve literacy among prospective brides and grooms and contribute to stunting prevention in Padangsidimpuan City.]]>
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