"This situation is very ironic because at the same time, we are facing the problem of stunting," said M. Rizal Martua Damanik, BKKBN Deputy for Training, Research, and Development in Yogyakarta on Saturday.
During his visit to the Kulon Progo District in the province, he stated that if the leftovers could be utilized, the stunting rate would not be as high as it is now.
Damanik mentioned that Indonesia is currently the third country in the world that produces the most food waste, after Saudi Arabia and the United States.
A study by the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) and several institutions indicated Indonesia disposed of around 23-48 million tons of food waste per year during the 2000-2019 period. That is equivalent to 115-184 kilograms per capita per year.
He explained that food waste accumulates because unprocessed food ingredients are thrown away during the sorting process.
He used cauliflower as an example, which is transported by a pick-up truck to the market.
During shipping, cauliflower has the potential to be crushed by other luggage. As a result, it is deemed unsuitable for sale or consumption and simply discarded.
He also cited sweet potatoes and corn as examples of other foods that were discarded because of their small size, despite being marketable.
Damanik also highlighted the Indonesian people's tendency to waste cooked food, such as leftover dishes frequently found at restaurants.
He said that food waste is contributing to the high stunting rate in Indonesia, which was recorded at 21.6 percent in 2022.
People living in a food-rich country like Indonesia should understand the importance of processing enough food and giving it to children so they can grow and develop better, he argued.
He praised the food bank in Bugel Village and expressed his hope that similar banks could be set up across the country to prevent food waste.
"I hope that the management of the food bank in Kulon Progo can maintain their enthusiasm for implementing this program. God willing, this will benefit all of us," he said.
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Translator: Hreeloita Dharma Shanti, Katriana
Editor: Anton Santoso
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