Indonesian Families Spend Almost Equally on Tobacco and Meat-Based Protein

JAKARTA, investortrust.id – Spending on tobacco products is nearly equivalent to expenditures on animal protein in Indonesian households, according to Maria Endang Sumiwi, Director General of Primary Health and Community Services at the Ministry of Health.

“This is concerning and presents a unique challenge in improving the nutritional quality of the population,” Endang said, as quoted on the Ministry of Health's official website on Monday, Jan 27, 2025.

Citing data from the 2023 National Socio-Economic Survey (Susenas), she noted significant spending on tobacco across all expenditure quintiles: 11.54% in the first quintile, 13.39% in 2nd quintile, 14.17% in 3rd quintile, 14.30% in 4th quintile, and 11.35% in 5th quintile.

These figures are comparable to spending on animal protein—including fish, shrimp, squid, clams, meat, eggs, and milk—which ranged from 14.83% in the first quintile to 20.6% in 5th quintile.

Complex Nutritional Challenges

Endang highlighted that Indonesia faces multiple nutritional challenges, including undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and rising rates of overweight and obesity. Stunting, a condition affecting 21.5% of children under five, significantly impacts human resource quality.

Undernutrition in children under five stands at 8.5%, while anemia affects 16.3% of adolescents and 27.7% of pregnant women. Additionally, 12.1% of adolescents and a notable portion of adults struggle with obesity.

Endang expressed concern about current dietary patterns, noting low animal protein consumption among children under five (21.6%) and high consumption of sugary drinks (52%), salty foods (32%), instant foods (11%), and seasoning usage (78%). Alarmingly, 65% of Indonesians do not eat breakfast daily.

“This data underscores the need for concerted efforts to improve nutritional quality by reducing excessive consumption of sugar, salt, and fat, while promoting balanced, nutritious diets,” she said.

Future of Human Capital

Ikeu Tanziha, an expert at the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), emphasized that nutrition quality shapes the future of Indonesia’s human capital. Established by President Prabowo Subianto, BGN is tasked with ensuring optimal national nutrition in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, regional governments, and other agencies.

Doddy Izwardy, Chairman of the Indonesian Nutritionists Association (Persagi), highlighted the importance of national programs such as Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) in breaking the cycle of stunting.

“Addressing stunting is crucial for achieving Indonesia Emas 2045 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030,” Doddy said, stressing the role of nutritionists in monitoring food quality, ensuring food safety, and training food handlers.