Indonesian Food Security Collapses from Lack of Quality Assurance

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UNAIR NEWS – There are some problems related to food security in Indonesia. According to Prof. R. Bambang W, dr., MS., MCN., Ph.D., SpGK., as professor of Nutrition Science at Faculty of Public Health (FKM) Universitas Airlangga, one of the problems is the lack of quality assurance on food resources at local level.

Based on Law No. 18/2012, explained Prof. Bambang, the important point of Indonesian food security lies in the fulfillment of quantity and quality. The food security is not only limited to the fulfillment of quantity but also in quality which is really good for the body.

Prof. Bambang acknowledged that in terms of numbers, the national resilience index from year to year continues to increase. Based on data from The Economist Intelligence Unit, the index number reached 54.8 in 2018. It rose from 2016 and 2017, from 50.6 and 51.3.

“However, a number of problems in meeting food security in terms of quality, especially for those with low income, continue to exist,” said Prof. Bambang in UNAIR Expert Discussion on 4th Floor Amerta Hall Campus C on Tuesday, April 23, 2019.

The availability of food at local scope in Indonesia should be accompanied by equal supervision. It does not mean that the role and presence of government in the effort to realize food security does not exist.

The government through BPOM (Food and Drug Supervisory Agency), said Prof. Bambang, has taken a number of steps. However, compared to the availability of varied foods, the ratio is not balanced. Shared commitment is needed to achieve the quality in the context of food security.

“Yes, there is BPOM. However, compared to the area and its range, it is not equal, “he said.

According to Prof. Bambang, the proportion of households with energy and protein deficits in rural areas is still relatively high, especially for low-income households. The proportion of households with energy and protein deficits is higher in Java than outside Java, higher in agricultural households than in non-agricultural households.

“Therefore, food security must be supported by food safety. Those that are not contaminated by various poisons or harmful substances,” he said.

People are encouraged to be active in consuming good food. Prudence and carefulness must be developed in community.

Prof. Bambang assesses the common tip “empat sehat lima sempurna” should be changed. Prof. Bambang proposed a concept in food consumption, B2SAH concept, by eating foods that are diverse, nutritious, balanced, safe, and allowed by their respective religions and beliefs. (*)

 

Author: Feri Fenoria Rifa’i

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