The 'Flour Republic' Phenomenon: Why Indonesians Struggle to Quit Noodles, Bread, and Fried Snacks

The term ‘Flour Republic’ is increasingly used to describe the high consumption of processed flour-based foods in Indonesia. From instant noodles and fried snacks to bread and various flour-based treats, these items have become part of the daily diet. Behind their convenience and relatively affordable price, excessive consumption of flour-based foods is considered to increase the risk of various non-communicable diseases if not balanced with a healthy diet and adequate physical activity. Responding to this phenomenon, a family medicine specialist and lecturer at Muhammadiyah University of Yogyakarta, Dr. Iman Permana, explained that flour is essentially a source of carbohydrates needed by the body for energy. However, excessive consumption can have a negative impact on health. ‘Flour is a source of carbohydrates that will eventually be converted into glucose as an energy source. However, if consumed excessively without adjusting to daily calorie needs, the risk can increase the incidence of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and stroke,’ he said in a written statement. According to Dr. Iman, the average daily energy requirement for adults is around 2,200 calories for men and about 2,000 calories for women, although these needs may differ depending on age, physical activity, and individual health conditions. The problem that often arises is not just the number of calories, but also the quality of the food consumed. He explained that various processed flour-based foods, especially those that are deep-fried, generally contain simple carbohydrates and high amounts of saturated fat. Moreover, cooking oil is often used repeatedly, which can further degrade the quality of the food consumed. ‘If this eating pattern continues, the risk of insulin resistance will increase. When the body becomes less sensitive to insulin, blood sugar levels become more difficult to control and in the long term can trigger obesity and diabetes,’ he said.