PDIP Highlights Bung Karno's Concept of Public Nutrition in New Book

PDIP is encouraging the public to discuss food sovereignty across various sectors. Party Secretary-General Hasto Kristiyanto emphasised that the concept of public nutrition in Bung Karno’s book ‘Mustika Rasa’ had designed food self-sufficiency long before the current Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme. Speaking at the opening of the Bulan Bung Karno 2026 Nusantara Culinary Festival in Pamulang Square, South Tangerang, on Friday evening, Hasto stated that the book already presented a mature concept for healthy living. He cited an example from page 15, detailing the caloric needs of a family with a 30-year-old father and a mother five months pregnant, noting that Bung Karno had already committed to ensuring the people had sufficient food before the MBG programme existed. Hasto also highlighted the dangers of import dependency by referencing the decline of Pontianak oranges due to past monopolistic policies. He explained that when questioned about imports, the oranges were declared imported, even though Pontianak was known for its exceptional oranges, but the New Order’s trade monopoly by the president’s family killed Pontianak as a production centre. Meanwhile, PDIP Central Board Chair for Tourism, Yanti Sukamdani, affirmed that the festival is both a cultural movement and a people’s economic initiative. She stressed that the people’s palates and stomachs must not be colonised by imported food, and that a great nation honours its own produce from the land, sea, farms, and the work of its own people. Yanti outlined four objectives for the festival: preserving Nusantara menus, helping MSMEs provide delicious, affordable, healthy, and nutritious food, reviving recipes from the ‘Mustika Rasa’ book and rice-based side dishes, and strengthening national food sovereignty. She added that a healthy stomach is fundamental to a strong body, and culinary MSMEs play a major role in providing food that is not only filling but also healthy and brings happiness to the people. The opening ceremony was attended by several senior PDIP officials, including Deputy Secretary-General for People’s Affairs Sri Rahayu and Ribka Tjiptaning, as well as members of the House of Representatives Mercy Barends and Yulius Setiarto.