One Indonesian Generates 150 Kg of Food Waste per Year

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The issues of food loss and food waste are managed under the National Food Agency or Bapanas. The agency's deputy of food insecurity and nutrition, Nyoto Suwignyo, said that one Indonesian in a year can produce up to 150 kg of food waste per capita. With a population of around 276 million, this means that trillions of rupiah are wasted due to food waste.

“If this can be prevented, it will certainly be useful in addressing food and nutrition insecurity," said Nyoto when met in Jakarta, Friday, Dec. 9. Nyoto cited food waste data from the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas).

Nyoto said that wastage of food and food waste issues could threaten Indonesia's food security. “Because the amount (of food waste) is too much. [Indonesia is] number two after Saudi Arabia. The public needs to be educated so they don't waste food, he added. This is also a form of appreciation for farmers who have tried to produce food.

He went on to say that Bapanas is committed to reducing food waste through the improvement of the national food management system with a 'from farm to table' program. This year, Bapanas initiated the procurement of three food logistic cars and one food truck for people in need. This program is started in Jakarta. 

Bapanas also entered into cooperation agreements with a number of retail and hotel associations—including Hippindo—as well as food waste activists. Nyoto hopes that proper waste handling can eventually solve the problems of a number of regencies/cities in Indonesia that are currently experiencing food insecurity.

Riri Rahayu

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