The National Food Agency (Bapanas) is on a mission to promote healthy eating habits among the younger generation in Indonesia, aiming to cultivate a high-quality population in alignment with the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision. According to Rinna Syawal, the director of food consumption diversification at Bapanas, the key to achieving this goal lies in embracing a varied, balanced, and safe (B2SA) diet from an early age.
Syawal emphasized the significance of consuming a diverse range of foods in appropriate portions while prioritizing food safety. She highlighted that instilling the habit of a B2SA diet in children is vital for shaping a healthy, active, and productive Indonesian society. The B2SA concept, as promoted by Bapanas, provides a straightforward approach to maintaining nutritional balance and overall well-being.
To actively promote this dietary lifestyle, Bapanas has rolled out the B2SA Goes to School (BGtS) program as one of its flagship initiatives. Throughout 2024, the program has been successfully implemented in 550 schools and Islamic boarding schools across all provinces in Indonesia, engaging approximately 137,500 participants including students and teachers. By incorporating interactive methods like educational games, drawing activities, and coloring competitions, the program aims to make learning about nutritional balance engaging and accessible for the younger generation.
Despite these efforts, vegetable consumption among Indonesians remains at 250 grams per day, while fruit intake stands at 150 grams per day—both figures falling short of the WHO’s recommended daily intake of 400–600 grams. In response, Bapanas is ramping up its efforts to educate the public on the importance of food diversification by collaborating with various stakeholders.
Syawal highlighted the B2SA My Plate guidelines, which advocate for filling one-third of the plate with staple foods, one-third with vegetables, one-sixth with protein sources, and one-sixth with fruits. This approach ensures that every meal contains a balanced mix of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals essential for overall health and well-being.
Empowering Communities through Food Education
Empowering communities through food education is crucial for driving lasting change in dietary habits. By equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills to make informed choices about their nutrition, Bapanas can create a ripple effect that extends beyond the confines of the classroom. Through interactive workshops, cooking demonstrations, and community outreach programs, Bapanas can foster a culture of healthy eating that transcends age, gender, and socioeconomic status.
Collaborating for a Healthier Future
Collaboration is key to achieving a healthier future for Indonesia. By partnering with schools, local governments, healthcare providers, and other key stakeholders, Bapanas can leverage collective expertise and resources to maximize the impact of its initiatives. By working together towards a common goal of promoting healthy eating habits and food diversification, we can create a sustainable legacy of wellness and vitality for generations to come.
In conclusion, promoting healthy eating habits and food diversification is not just a public health imperative—it is a moral obligation to ensure the well-being of current and future generations. By investing in the health and nutrition of our youth today, we are laying the foundation for a brighter, healthier, and more prosperous Indonesia tomorrow. Let us embrace the B2SA diet as more than just a set of guidelines, but as a roadmap to a better future filled with vitality, resilience, and well-being.
