Deputy of Food Coordinating Ministry Highlights Importance of Food Security

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Nani Hendiarti, Deputy for Coordination of Food Affordability and Security at the Ministry of Coordinating Affairs for Food, emphasised the importance of food security as it relates to sustainable development. She made this statement at the CNBC Indonesia Food Summit 2026 held at the Auditorium of Menara Bank Mega, South Jakarta, on Monday (27/4/2026).

“Why is security important? Food security here refers to the regulatory aspect. Because we see that the President’s programme has been assigned to the Coordinating Minister to lead the coordination team, such as the Free Nutritious Meals, which greatly requires this,” she said.

According to Nani, there are three aspects that are regulated. First, preventing unsafe food from being consumed by the public. Second, strengthening integrated national food security supervision.

“Finally, there are extraordinary incidents (KLB) of food poisoning that we need to mitigate and carry out special efforts for. But it’s not just that programme, but also other programmes,” said Nani.

Globally, she explained that food poisoning causes losses of US$110 billion or equivalent to Rp1,760 trillion, covering health costs to lost productivity.

Meanwhile, in Indonesia, according to Nani, the losses incurred reach Rp20 trillion to Rp30 trillion. This includes the Free Nutritious Meals programme where several Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG) that were suspended have impacted losses where there should have been benefits received.