Jakarta. The National Commission for Child Protection (KPAI) is calling on the government to set maximum limits for sugar, salt and fat (SSF) in processed foods as Indonesia faces a double burden of malnutrition and rising obesity.

According to KPAI Deputy Chair Jasra Putra, while stunting remains a persistent public health challenge, rates of overweight and obesity, as well as non-communicable diseases (NCDs), continue to rise. The trend highlights unhealthy dietary patterns that require comprehensive policy intervention, he said.

“Establishing SSF limits in processed foods goes beyond a technical regulatory measure. It is also part of the government’s responsibility to safeguard children’s right to safe, healthy and nutritious food, which serves as the foundation for their growth and development,” Jasra said at a recent public discussion organized with World Vision Indonesia (WVI) to develop recommendations on maximum SSF limits in processed foods.

Government data show that the number of people with diabetes in Indonesia has reached 22 million, or about 8% of the population. Data from the Basic Health Research (Riskesdas) and the 2023 Indonesia Health Survey (SKI) show a worrying trend, with more than half of children aged 3 to 14 consuming sugary drinks more than once a day. Obesity among children aged 5 to 12 has also continued to rise, increasing their risk of developing NCDs later in life. The government’s nationwide free health screening of 8.8 million students aged 7 to 17 found that 6.7% were obese.

Meanwhile, four diseases with the largest treatment costs for the state health insurance program, BPJS Kesehatan, are associated with excessive consumption of sugar, salt and fat. One of them is kidney failure, for which treatment costs rose more than fourfold to Rp 13.38 trillion ($743.7 million) in 2025 from Rp 2.32 trillion in 2019.

“Limiting SSF content is not merely about regulating the composition of processed foods. It is part of the government’s responsibility to uphold every child’s right to a healthy life and to support their optimal growth and development,” Jasra said.

Indonesia Introduces Nutrition Labels
In April 2026, the Health Ministry issued new rules requiring nutrition labels known as “Nutri-Level” on ready-to-eat food products, particularly sugar-sweetened beverages. The regulation applies to large-scale businesses and is intended to encourage healthier consumption patterns.

The Nutri-Level system consists of four categories: Level A, shown in dark green; Level B, light green; Level C, yellow; and Level D, red. Products with lower levels of sugar, salt and fat receive better ratings, with Level A representing the healthiest category.

Level A products contain less than 1 gram of sugar per 100 milliliters, less than 5 milligrams of sodium per 100 milliliters and less than 0.7 grams of fat per 100 milliliters. Level D products contain more than 12.5 grams of sugar, more than 500 milligrams of sodium, and more than 17 grams of fat per 100 milliliters, or more than 2.8 grams of saturated fat.

The government does not ban products from being sold based on their Nutri-Level rating. Instead, the system is intended to provide consumers with greater transparency and nutritional information.

Food and beverage companies have been given a 24-month transition period to adjust their packaging and labeling.

Angelina Theodora, national director of Wahana Visi Indonesia, a humanitarian organization working with children and communities, said stricter limits were needed to address growing health risks among Indonesian children.

“If we don't set strict maximum limits for sugar, salt and fat, we are leaving Indonesian children facing the threat of a future health crisis,” she said. “Without clear regulations and a transparent labeling system, parents will continue to struggle to control their children's nutritional intake.”

The forum brought together representatives from the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affairs, the Health Ministry, the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM), the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, academics and civil society organizations including the Center for Indonesia’s Strategic Development Initiatives (CISDI) and FAKTA. Representatives of children and people with disabilities also participated in the discussion.