Ministry of Health: Almost 97 Percent of Indonesian People Eat Less Vegetables and Fruits

Illustration of fruits and vegetables (Photo: Freepik/Freepik)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Health again highlights the low consumption of vegetables and fruits in Indonesia which is still far from the recommendation of balanced nutrition. In the context of the 66th National Nutrition Day (HGN), the Ministry of Health invites the public to use local food as a practical solution to improve the quality of daily eating patterns.

This year's campaign carries the theme "Fulfill Balanced Nutrition from Local Food", which emphasizes the importance of healthy food that is easily accessible and in line with regional culinary culture. The invitation was delivered in a national webinar held by the Directorate of Family Health Services of the Ministry of Health on Wednesday, February 5.

This year's HGN awareness is a reminder that Indonesia is still facing a double, even triple, nutritional burden. The problem includes malnutrition, nutritional excess, and micronutrient deficiencies that occur simultaneously in various age groups.

Director of Family Health Services at the Ministry of Health, Lovely Daisy explained that the national nutritional situation still requires serious attention. Data from the Indonesian Nutrition Status Survey (SSGI) 2024 shows that about 20 percent of toddlers are stunted. On the other hand, the rate of overweight in adults has reached 37.8 percent.

"This condition is exacerbated by a less diverse diet. As many as 96.7% of our people eat less vegetables and fruits. Therefore, through the slogan 'Healthy Starts from My Plate', we invite the public to apply the concept of Filling My Plate by utilizing local foods that are rich in nutrients," said Daisy, quoted from the official website of the Ministry of Health.

He added that local food diversity can actually meet daily nutritional needs if consumed properly and balanced.

A similar opinion was expressed by the Professor of the Department of Public Nutrition at IPB, Professor Rimbawan. He assessed that local food materials have many advantages compared to imported products, both in terms of quality and its impact on the community.

"Local food is fresher because the supply chain is short, accessible, and more affordable. In addition to meeting nutrition, consuming local food also has a real impact on farmers' economies and strengthens our cultural identity," explained Rimbawan.

In addition to the problem of low consumption of vegetables and fruits, the Ministry of Health also pays attention to the high intake of sugar, salt, and fat (GGL) which contributes to the increase in non-communicable diseases.

Director of Non-Communicable Diseases (PTM) of the Ministry of Health, Siti Nadia Tarmizi reminded that a high-GL diet is closely related to the surge in hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, especially in urban areas.

"Studies with BPOM show that if we coordinate policies on controlling trans fatty acids and food reformulation, we can prevent 310,000 deaths and 580,000 heart diseases. Setting the maximum limit of GGL and food labels is a crucial step that we continue to encourage," said Nadia.

Through the 66th HGN momentum, the government hopes that public awareness of the importance of balanced nutrition will increase. The utilization of local food is expected to be the foundation in building a healthier, active, and competitive generation of Indonesians.