YLKI Deems MBDK Excise Tax More Effective in Curbing Sugary Drink Consumption

The Indonesian Consumer Foundation (YLKI) assesses that the Nutri Level policy on ready-to-eat foods, especially sweetened beverages, has not been effective in controlling sugar, salt, and fat consumption in society. Instead of Nutri Level, YLKI believes that regulations on excise tax for packaged sweetened beverages (MBDK) would be far more effective if implemented. YLKI Chair Niti Emiliana stated that implementing the MBDK excise tax could be an effective step in increasing public understanding and consumer protection. “We question why the government chose the Nutri Level scheme over a stronger policy like implementing the excise tax on packaged sweetened beverages. In fact, MBDK is more effective in directly suppressing consumption while encouraging behavioural change,” Niti said when contacted by Republika on Wednesday (22/4/2026). According to Niti, the use of black octagon warning labels is far more effective than Nutri Level. Explicit warning labels have proven easier for the wider public to understand, including consumers with limited nutritional literacy. “Nutri Level tends to be effective only for consumers who already have adequate nutritional knowledge,” Niti said. She highlighted the potential bias in the Nutri Level scheme. According to her, differences in colour categories or levels are often based on very small differences in content, which could mislead consumer perceptions. “There is also no clear specific information on whether a certain rating refers to sugar, salt, or fat content, which can confuse consumers,” she said. Niti views the Nutri Level policy as less inclusive. The colour-based approach in Nutri Level could be unfriendly to consumer groups with colour vision limitations, thus reducing information accessibility. Therefore, according to Niti, the warning label approach that specifically warns about sugar, salt, and fat content is more aligned with the mandate of Government Regulation Number 28 of 2024 on Health. “We at YLKI urge the government to review the effectiveness of the Nutri Level policy and consider implementing warning labels as the main risk communication instrument. In addition, the government must ensure transparency and public participation in the policy formulation process,” Niti stated.