Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Health Ministry partnered with the Communication and Digital Ministry to restrict the promotion of foods and beverages high in sugar, salt, and fat, aiming to combat the growing problem of childhood obesity and overweight.
The ministry's director for non-communicable diseases, Siti Nadia Tarmizi, stated here on Thursday that the initiative aligns with Government Regulation 28 of 2024 on the implementation of Law Number 17 of 2023 on Health.
Tarmizi believes the restriction is necessary, so children, who nowadays often get information online, are not influenced by junk food advertisements that could alter their eating habits.
The 2023 National Health Survey (SKI) found that, among children aged 5–12, some 11.9 percent are overweight and 7.8 percent are obese.
With free health checkups (CKG) for schoolchildren and teenagers to be rolled out soon, the rates of those two conditions can be even higher than the 2023 survey data, she noted.
She warned that overweight and obesity can lead to other life-threatening diseases, including cardiovascular issues, diabetes, cancer, fertility issues such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), and many other metabolic and non-metabolic disorders.
However, she reminded that these serious diseases do not develop suddenly. Since it takes time for these conditions to progress, it means that there is time to prevent the illnesses from developing, Tarmizi noted.
"Obesity is simple and inexpensive to manage. Just limit consumption and engage in physical activities," she stressed.
The ministry also pursues collaborative efforts with other ministries and institutions, such as the Food and Drug Authority (BPOM), to implement nutrition labeling and educate the public about healthy foods.
Her administration also collaborates with the Finance Ministry to impose tax on junk foods, noting that it can help control the consumption of unhealthy foods and beverages while also increasing state revenue.
They are also partnering with the Primary and Secondary Education Ministry to promote healthy foods and beverages, as well as to rouse children's interest and participation in physical activities.
"Moreover, through free nutritious meals, we hope the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) can together provide healthier meals," she noted.
She acknowledged often receiving reports that integrated health services posts (posyandu) sometimes provide biscuits and packaged milk as additional foods for toddlers. Therefore, she urged regional governments to better monitor the menus at these posts to address the issue early.
