Jakarta, IO – Protein is one of the most important nutrients in the human diet. Data from the Golden Indonesia Roadmap 2045 indicated that Indonesia’s protein consumption rate in 2022 was recorded at 62 grams per capita, below that of Malaysia (159 grams), Thailand (141 grams), or the Philippines (93 grams).
“Animal protein consumption in Indonesia is lower, when compared to other ASEAN countries. As a producer of quality animal protein, Japfa is committed to providing nutritious and affordable food, in line with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs) number 2: Zero Hunger, supporting the vision of Golden Indonesia 2045,” explained Director of Corporate Affairs of PT Japfa Comfeed Indonesia Tbk Rachmat Indrajaya in a press conference themed “Eating Nutritiously with Japfa” held on Wednesday (25/9/2024).
He revealed that his party, together with the Edufarmers Foundation and the Center for Nutrition & Health Studies University of Indonesia (PKGK UI) conducted a study to measure the nutritional adequacy of Indonesian children. A test group of more than 1,000 elementary school, kindergarten, and toddler-age children received nutritious food between May-June 2024 in 5 cities: Padang, Sragen, Mempawah, Malang, and Makassar.
The study tested 3 models of nutritious feeding, namely, Ready to Eat (RTE), Ready to Cook (RTC), and Swakelola. The aim was to analyze the effectiveness of each model, while monitoring the production process, fulfillment of nutritional needs, and distribution. The study was prepared over three months, starting from the concept of the feeding model to the selection of the location, before being socialized in early May.
The study coverage area includes the area around Japfa’s operational units, namely, SDN 06 Batang Anai in Padang, South Sumatra; SDN 01 Duyungan in Sragen, Central Java; Posyandu Bululawang District in Malang, East Java; SDN 03 Sungai Pinyuh in Mempawah, West Kalimantan; SD Bugatun Mubarakah and TK Asoka in Makassar, South Sulawesi. For 6 consecutive weeks, each region was tested for 10 days for each feeding model; participants were then measured and evaluated for nutritional adequacy and effectiveness of its implementation.
Implemented in Schools
Prof. Dr. drg. Sandra Fikawati, MPH, a public health nutrition expert from PKGK UI, said, “From observations in the field, we found that animal protein consumption is still relatively low, except for eggs. In addition, 63% of students are not used to bringing lunch to school. However, the nutritional status of students, seen from their weight and height, is classified as ‘Normal’ based on WHO and Ministry of Health standards.”
Of the three nutritious food delivery models implemented, Prof. Fika continued, the Swakelola model had the highest consumption rate among students, with a percentage of 84%, followed by RTC with a percentage of 83%. Overall, the number of children with insufficient nutritional status decreased by 2.8% after the program. This program has succeeded in increasing students’ nutritional intake, especially for protein and fruit which are important for students’ growth and development.
On the same occasion, I Dewa Made Agung, Executive Director of the Indonesia Food Security Review (IFSR), expressed the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in supporting the success of the nutritious food program. No less important: education about nutritious food menus and consumption, as well as food waste management, needs to be provided to children and parents.
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“The pilot study conducted by Japfa and PKGK UI can be an important reference for the implementation of nutritious food programs in schools. From this study, we can also see the preparation of cost ranges that need to be adjusted to the region. In addition, it is necessary to ensure that producers produce quality food ingredients and guarantee food safety, as well as hygiene in the production process, for optimal results – such as chicken meat that comes from a chicken slaughterhouse that meets standards and has an NKV (Veterinary Control Number) certificate,” said Dewa. NKV is a certificate given to animal food business units that have met hygiene and sanitation requirements.
Finally, Rachmat hopes that the results of this study can be an inspiration for the Government and related stakeholders. “Of course, we support and are open to further collaboration in providing animal protein to improve the quality of Indonesia’s younger generation,” concluded Rachmat. (est)