Indonesia Urges Gradual Reduction of High-Sugar, High-Salt and High-Fat Foods

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Government of Indonesia urged people to gradually reduce consumption of foods high in sugar, salt, and fat. The call was made in Jakarta on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

Head of the Nutrition Working Team at the Directorate of Family Health Services, Ministry of Health of Indonesia, Yuni Zahraini, said dietary patterns should prioritize balanced nutrition. She also emphasized using fresh food ingredients with minimal processing.

Yuni said reducing foods high in sugar, salt, and fat should become a gradual and consistent effort. She encouraged people to return to balanced nutrition based on fresh food ingredients.

“So, let’s really try to gradually reduce foods that are high in sugar, salt, and fat, slowly but surely, so that over time we can return to balanced nutrition from fresh food ingredients, which we process as minimally as possible,” she said.

Meanwhile, Project Lead of SHAPE Asia, Elaine Borazon, said efforts to encourage healthier food choices in Indonesia need to be supported by both public education and policies that create a healthier food environment.

“So, Indonesia therefore needs a combination of education and supportive food environment policies. This could include clearer nutrition information and front-of-pack labeling, stronger standards for food marketing, especially marketing directed at children, healthier school food environments, and measures that encourage retailers to make healthier foods more visible and accessible,” she said.

These measures include clearer nutrition information and stronger standards for food marketing targeting children. They also cover healthier school food environments and efforts to make healthier foods more visible and accessible.

The approach highlights the need for joint action to reduce consumption of high-risk foods in Indonesia. This includes healthier consumption patterns, product oversight, and food environments that support better everyday choices.