Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia has launched the Nutri-Level policy to educate the public on healthier food and beverage choices and to help prevent non-communicable diseases caused by excessive intake of sugar, salt, and fat.
The Minister of Health, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, stated that the policy is a follow-up to the Free Health Checkup (CKG) program, which aims to promote healthier lifestyles. He emphasized that excessive consumption of sugar, salt, and fat can lead to high-mortality diseases such as hypertension and diabetes.
“There is extensive research worldwide on this issue. The WHO has outlined clear standards. The burden of these diseases is significant. Rather than treating them after people fall ill, it is better to ensure that we remain healthy,” the minister said.
While he did not specify the exact number, he highlighted that a worrying number of children have diabetes, as indicated by CKG results, underscoring that no child should suffer from such conditions.
He also pointed out the economic burden, noting that BPJS Kesehatan covers around Rp50 trillion in treatment costs for non-communicable diseases like hypertension and diabetes.
The minister expressed optimism that the policy would ignite a broader healthy lifestyle movement. He mentioned that initiatives presented as movements tend to attract more public participation than those presented as mere programs.
For instance, he noted that many people have started running because it is considered trendy and stylish. Likewise, consuming coffee without sugar or milk is often seen as more appealing.
He mentioned that there will be a one- to two-year transition period during which companies can voluntarily adopt the labeling system, although detailed regulations for this phase are still being finalized.
“We will implement it gradually. Eventually, compliance will be mandatory,” he added.
The policy was developed in collaboration with the National Food and Drug Authority, the Ministry of Population and Family Development, BPJS Kesehatan, and the Financial Services Authority (OJK).
Translator: Mecca Yumna Ning Prisie Editor: M Razi Rahman Copyright © ANTARA 2026
