Minister of National Development Planning Rachmat Pambudy stressed the importance of taking a broader approach when it comes to the development of Indonesia's food and health sectors, with a particular focus on nutrition.
“Several challenges indicate the need for sustainable interventions and governance to transform Indonesia’s food and nutrition system. Development in this sector must be more holistic,” Pambudy says.
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He announced the same at the start of the 12th Pre-National Food and Nutrition Workshop with the theme of Transforming Food and Nutrition Systems to Strengthen Free Nutritious Meals (MBG).
He observed that the progress in food and health should address the future challenges in health, such as climate change, changes in population demographics, conflicts, and advancements in health technology.
He stated that food and nutrition play a crucial role in reaching Indonesia's goal of becoming an advanced nation by 2045, also known as Golden Indonesia. He explained that this objective is consistent with the guidelines set forth in Law No. 59 of 2024 regarding the National Long-Term Development Plan for the years 2025-2045.
At present, a total of 81 districts and cities are experiencing food insecurity due to the combined impact of climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and environmental degradation.
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Indonesia is also facing a Triple Burden of Malnutrition: 19.8 percent of children are affected by stunting, 16.8 percent are underweight, 7.4 percent are wasting, and 3.4 percent are overweight, in addition to widespread micronutrient deficiencies.
Hence, the seminar, arranged in collaboration with the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), brings together universities, professional associations, government entities, companies, and development collaborators to create comprehensive and lasting food and nutrition regulations.
“We have about five years until 2030 to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By 2041, we hope to emerge from the middle-income trap,” Pambudy says.
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BGN Head Dadan Hindayana expressed appreciation for the experts' conversations about improving food and nutrition systems, particularly in terms of affordability, consumption, and governance.