YLKI: Government needs to create easy-to-understand GGL labels

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Consumers Foundation (YLKI) has stated that the government needs to involve consumers in the design and standardisation of nutritional labels to ensure that consumers truly understand information regarding the sugar, salt, and fat (GGL) content in packaged foods and beverages.

This was stated by the Chairperson of YLKI, Niti Emiliana, in response to Constitutional Court Decision Number 110/PUU-XXIV/2026, which partially granted the petition to review Law Number 8 of 1999 on Consumer Protection and Law Number 17 of 2023 on Health regarding information on GGL content in packaged food and beverages.

“The Constitutional Court decision must serve as a momentum for the government to strengthen the inclusion of sugar, salt, and fat content information on packaging labels so that consumers can obtain information quickly and clearly before purchasing and consuming products,” she said.

She believes that strengthening the inclusion of GGL information should go hand in hand with the excise policy for Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (MBDK).

“Immediately draft and establish regulations for including GGL information that is easy for consumers to read and understand using warning labels. Information on sugar, salt, and fat content must be visible, readable, and understandable by consumers quickly before purchasing and consuming products. By including warning labels on packaging, it is hoped that consumers will be encouraged to choose healthier products,” she said.

She also requested that business actors comply with the Constitutional Court decision for the sake of consumer protection.

Furthermore, Niti stated that the government also needs to ensure supervision and enforcement regarding business compliance, as well as guarantee a transparent policy-making process that prioritises consumer interests.

YLKI also requested that the excise on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (MBDK) be implemented immediately as an instrument for controlling consumption as well as a fiscal policy.

“With the right design, the revenue from this can support the financing of health programmes and the prevention of non-communicable diseases, as well as encourage the reformulation of healthier products by the industry,” she said.

The foundation will continue to monitor the implementation of Constitutional Court Decision Number 110/PUU-XXIV/2026 and push for the strengthening of GGL warning labels and the MBDK excise policy as part of consumer protection and public health.