In support of the global vision to achieve food security towards zero hunger in Indonesia, the Master’s Program in Public Health at the Faculty of Public Health (FPH) of the Universitas Indonesia (UI) held the 29th Online Series of the International Conference of FPH UI on Monday, December 16, 2024. The seminar, themed “National Security: Moving Beyond Food Availability towards Zero Hunger,” was held in a hybrid format, at the UI Central Assembly Hall and online via Zoom Meeting. Inviting experts in the fields of environment, global health, and food security, the seminar not only served as a platform for discussion but also reaffirmed FPH UI’s strategic role in advocating for science-based solutions to national food security. The event, moderated by Prof. drg. Ririn Arminsih Wulandari, M.Kes., and Chitambwe Tadius Chengetai, attracted more than 200 participants from academics, practitioners, health professionals, and the general public both from Indonesia and abroad.
The Free Nutritious Meal Program has become one of the Indonesian government’s priorities for the next five years to reduce the still high stunting rates. This program requires significant resources, with a focus on food availability and security as key to its success. “Cross-sector collaboration, both nationally and internationally, is key to realizing this crucial program,” said Prof. Dr. Ir. Heri Hermansyah, S.T., M.Eng., IPU, Rector of the University of Indonesia, in his opening remarks.
Through his speech, Prof. Heri also expressed his appreciation to FPH UI for organizing the event, emphasizing UI’s commitment to community empowerment through partnerships with national and international organizations and the government to support strategic policies in food security, food safety, and stunting mitigation at the national level.
Dr. Budi Hartono, Head of the Master’s Program in Public Health at FPH UI, emphasized the urgency of food security and stunting reduction themes, which require pentahhelix collaboration to ensure sustainable food availability. According to him, stunting not only impacts health but also affects education and social conditions, thus significant actions are needed to address these issues in Indonesia.
Meanwhile, Rizka Maulida, S.K.M., M.HSc., Ph.D., Secretary of the Master’s Program in Public Health at FPH UI, highlighted the importance of policies based on public health and environmental sciences to support nutrition programs and sustainable stunting reduction, and emphasized the role of environmental health in these issues.
According to Dr. Ir. Nani Hendiarti, M.Sc., Coordinator of Food Access and Security at the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, food security is a key element in achieving the SDGs, as it plays an important role in ending hunger, improving nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture. Indonesia is committed to strengthening food security through strategic policies that include supply stability and productivity improvements, in line with Asta Cita Number 2 to achieve food self-sufficiency. Dr. Nani emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration in agriculture, health, environment, economy, and education to maintain the sustainability of natural resources and resilient food systems. One of the flagship programs, the Free Nutrition Meal Program, has benefited 15-18 million recipients, particularly vulnerable groups such as schoolchildren, pregnant women, and toddlers, as an effort to realize Indonesia’s Golden Generation 2045. “This program is pivotal in shaping a healthier, higher-quality Indonesian generation, preparing us for the Golden Generation of 2045,” she added.
Further, Dr. Indra Wijayanto from the National Food Agency (Bapanas) emphasized that the Prevalence of Undernourishment (PoU), which reflects the population unable to meet minimum energy requirements, is a significant challenge for food security in Indonesia. “Indonesia’s PoU in 2023 is 8.53%, still far from the 2024 RPJMN target of 5% and the global target of 0%,” he explained. Based on the results of the Food Security and Vulnerability Atlas (FSVA) 2023, 68 districts/cities (13%) are categorized as food insecure, while 446 districts/cities (86%) have relatively good food security. Dr. Indra also pointed out that several provinces, such as West Java, South Kalimantan, Bali, Banten, DKI Jakarta, and NTB, have reached the 2023 RPJMN target. “However, most other provinces are still below the national PoU rate, which highlights the need for strategic steps in meeting the food requirements evenly,” Dr. Indra added.
Regarding food policies, Dr. Indra explained that the government is currently focused on strengthening food reserves for stabilizing supply and prices through initiatives such as affordable market programs and food distribution. “Public consumption is directed towards local food potential according to each region, thus supporting food independence,” said Dr. Indra. The national food diversification strategy includes developing the local food industry, especially for SMEs, and educating the public on the importance of consuming a varied, nutritious, balanced, and safe diet (B2SA). Food is not only a basic need but also a human right that cannot be postponed and must be available equitably.
The main target of the Free Nutritious Meal Program is vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, breastfeeding women, toddlers, and schoolchildren. The program focuses on providing healthy, safe, and hygienic food to ensure the health of future generations. Dr. Anas Ma’ruf, M.K.M., Director of Environmental Health at the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, presented three strategies for the program, including supervision and monitoring, food storage inspection, and food sample inspection. The implementation of the 5 Keys to Food Safety is also crucial in preventing food poisoning. “Food hygiene and sanitation standards are key elements in preventing foodborne illnesses, especially in ready-to-eat foods,” Dr. Anas emphasized.
On the other hand, Hendro Utomo, Chair of the Foodbank of Indonesia (FoI), emphasized the importance of democratizing the food system to achieve Indonesia’s Independence 100%. This program focuses on improving nutrition for vulnerable children and preventing stunting. FoI, through its Foodbank Kitchen (DPF), processes food donations into ready-to-serve meals for children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, while promoting authentic Indonesian flavors. Hendro also highlighted hunger issues still occurring in Flores and the highlands of Papua.
In efforts to improve food security and reduce stunting in Indonesia, Dr. dr. Tubagus Rachmat Sentika Hasan, Sp.A, MARS., stressed the importance of sustainable food systems to meet the nutritional needs of the population.
Meanwhile, Mr. Rajendra Kumar Aryal, FAO Representative in Indonesia and Timor Leste, highlighted the need for international cooperation in ensuring access to healthy and sustainable food by supporting local agriculture and natural resource management. “Best practices in food systems from various countries around the world can provide valuable insights for Indonesia. On the other hand, countries can also learn from the best practices that have been implemented in Indonesia,” said Rajendra.
Through an integrative and inclusive approach, Indonesia is expected to break the cycle of stunting and malnutrition towards a healthier and more productive future. (DFD)