"Bapanas called for strong synergy and collaboration among food-related stakeholders to reduce food loss and waste (FLW) in Indonesia," said Andriko Noto Susanto, Bapanas’ Deputy for Food Consumption Diversification and Food Safety, in a statement on Thursday.
He said that Bapanas is ready to work with other parties to manage FLW, considering that Indonesia ranks as the third-largest producer of food waste in the world after the United States and Saudi Arabia.
Susanto emphasized the urgency of making efforts to reduce FLW in Indonesia, as it impacts food security in addition to the environment and economy.
He also praised the launch of the roadmap for FLW management by the Ministry of National Development Planning (PPN).
Susanto expects that it can serve as a guideline for all stakeholders in implementing best practices to reduce food waste and improve food efficiency.
Data from the ministry shows that Indonesia produces between 23 million tons and 48 million tons of food waste annually.
That amount is equivalent to meeting the food needs of 61–125 million people, or 29–47 percent of Indonesia's population.
PPN Minister Suharso Monoarfa emphasized the importance of taking strategic steps to deal with the food waste problem in Indonesia.
"Food waste management is a critical step in achieving food security and environmental sustainability," he stated. "By launching a roadmap for managing food waste, we aim to provide clear guidance for all stakeholders."
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Translator: Harianto, Kenzu
Editor: Anton Santoso
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