Let's reduce sugar consumption

Let's reduce sugar consumption

From Bisnis Indonesia

Granulated sugar consumption has been increasing because almost everybody likes the sweet taste of sugar. Unfortunately, domestic granulated sugar production is not compatible with the rising demand for the commodity and we have forced to import it and pay for it in foreign currency.

Fifteen years ago we imported only 500,000 tons of granulated sugar every year. Now we need to import 1,300,000 tons. If one ton of granulated sugar costs between US$300 and $350, Indonesia must spend over $400 million on sugar imports every year.

The trouble now is that it is very difficult to get foreign exchange and the solution to this problem will clearly depend on how we deal with the monetary crisis.

We need sugar but of course we could reduce our consumption of sugar to a minimum without affecting the nutritional quality of our food intake because carbohydrates can be obtained from sources other than sugar, such as rice, corn and cassava.

At this juncture allow me to suggest to the government that priority should be given to ensuring that rice is available in sufficient quantity and at a price affordable to people in lower income brackets.

Indonesia's average annual granulated sugar output is 2.2 million tons. This country has a population of around 202 million people, so this means that each of person can consume roughly 11 kilograms of domestically produced sugar every year. If this regime was adhered to it would not be necessary to import any sugar.

Sugar can cause tooth decay, particularly in children, and can make adults obese, which in turn is a source of various ailments.

Therefore, for the sake of our own physical health and the soundness of our foreign exchange reserves, allow me to call on all Indonesians to reduce their sugar intake. Please don't queue to buy, at a reduced price, sugar which we pay for at great cost in foreign currency.

Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, a trained physician, has called on his people to reduce their sugar intake. When will our leaders do likewise?

SUNARTO PRAWIROSUJANTO

Jakarta