Government of Indonesia has taken a major step toward improving the health and nutrition of its population with the release of two key policies that will drive biofortification and food diversification efforts over the next two decades. The Indonesian Law on the Long-term National Development Plan 2024-2045 (Law No. 59, 2024) establishes a 20-year framework for expanding biofortification across the country. This policy emphasizes not only the production of biofortified crops but also the promotion of food diversification, focusing on local and alternative staples. Additionally, Presidential Decree No. 81, 2024 prioritizes food diversification based on local resources and assigns the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) the responsibility for advancing research on biofortifying various crops.

According to the Global Nutrition Report Indonesia is making progress in addressing certain maternal, infant, and child nutrition targets, such as exclusive breastfeeding and reducing low birth weight rates. However, malnutrition challenges persist, with 31.2 percent of women of reproductive age experiencing anaemia, a higher-than-average 30.8 percent of children under five suffering from stunting, and 10.2 percent affected by wasting. Additionally, rising rates of overweight and obesity among adults, especially women, along with a diabetes prevalence of around 8.7 percent, indicate the increasing burden of diet-related non-communicable diseases in Indonesia.

To combat these issues, HarvestPlus has played an important role in bringing these policies to fruition through its ongoing collaboration with Indonesia’s key government bodies, including Bappenas (the Ministry of National Development Planning), the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), and BRIN (National Research and Innovation Agency). HarvestPlus’ work in advocating for biofortification and influencing policy has helped to ensure that nutrient-rich, biofortified crops are now positioned as a national priority in the fight against hidden hunger and malnutrition. HarvestPlus has been actively involved in combating stunting by introducing and promoting biofortification technology, which enriches staple crops with essential vitamins and minerals, addressing nutritional deficiencies in vulnerable populations since 2008.

Sulaiman Ginting, country manager, HarvestPlus Indonesia said, “HarvestPlus has started its programme in Indonesia by supporting research to increase zinc levels in rice as a staple food in collaboration with BBPSI Padi Sukamandi Subang. Inpari IR Nutrizinc is the first biofortified rice variety released in 2019. Until now there are four biofortified rice varieties released in the country for various rice ecosystems namely, Inpari IR Nutrizinc for irrigated area, Inpago Fortiz 13 for dryland and Inpara 11 High Zinc and Inpara 12 Mayas for swampy area”.

HarvestPlus will continue to support the policies implementation, helping to shape a future where healthier, more resilient food systems are a reality for Indonesia. By fostering innovation and research, the country is set to become a leader in biofortified agriculture in the region, while preserving the diversity and sustainability of its local food sources.