Health Minister Promotes Nutri-Level Labelling to Prevent Chronic Diseases

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin is targeting an increase in the average lifespan of Indonesians through the implementation of the simple nutrition labelling policy known as Nutri-Level. This labelling policy is seen as one of the preventive steps to reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases, which have been the main cause of premature death in Indonesia. Budi stated that the government has an ambitious target to increase the national life expectancy in the coming years. “I have a target in the long-term plan of the Republic of Indonesia Government to raise the average life expectancy or life expectancy from 72 to 76 years,” he explained at the MoU Signing for the Implementation of Nutri-Level at Lippo Mall Nusantara, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday (12/5/2026). “Indonesians now have only risen to 73 years and are heading to 74 years. Another target is called healthy adjusted life expectancy or healthy life expectancy from 60 to 65 years,” he said. The government is not only pursuing a longer lifespan but also ensuring that people can enjoy a longer healthy life without being disrupted by chronic diseases. “The ranking of premature deaths number one is stroke, followed by heart disease, cancer, and kidney disease,” he added. According to him, the most effective prevention is by controlling the consumption patterns of the population, especially towards food and drinks high in sugar, salt, and fat. Budi also highlighted the high prevalence of diabetes in Indonesia, which has now become a serious threat to the national health system. “Diabetes data in Indonesia is 11.3 percent according to the latest survey. Approximately around 30 million patients. Diabetes will soon definitely require dialysis,” Budi revealed. He assessed that diabetes complications, especially kidney failure, not only lower the quality of life of patients but also cause a significant economic burden.