Indonesia has begun rolling out a front-of-pack nutrition labelling system as the government steps up efforts to curb rising diet-related diseases.
The system classifies food and drink products into four categories – A, B, C, and D, based on their sugar, salt and fat content.
The policy, which was formalised in a decree from the Health Ministry this week, calls for nutrition labels and health messages to be included on ready-to-eat food and drink products.
It will first apply to beverages on a voluntary basis before gradually expanding the scheme to other food categories.
Announcing the policy on Tuesday (14 April) at a press conference, health minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said excessive consumption of sugar, salt and fat is a key driver of both mortality rates and rising healthcare costs, underscoring the urgency of improving dietary habits.
“Efforts are needed to provide clear information so that people can more easily choose ready-to-eat food that suits their nutritional needs,” he said.
The labelling system intends to give consumers a clear, at-a-glance indication of a product’s nutritional profile and encourage healthier purchasing decisions.
Taruna Ikrar, chairperson of Indonesia’s Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM), which is overseeing implementation of the labelling system, also spoke at the conference.
He said sweetened beverages are being prioritised in the first phase due to their contribution to excess sugar intake, although the government has yet to say when these products must carry the labelling.
A transition period of one to two years will allow companies to adapt before the rules become mandatory, the chair said, with the BPOM deciding the deadline.
During the initial phase, the policy remains advisory, with a focus on education and voluntary compliance. The BPOM will also introduce a “healthy food” endorsement for products meeting nutritional standards, alongside incentives such as faster licensing approvals, Ikrar said.
He added the timeline was designed to address industry concerns over the cost of packaging changes rather than outright resistance.
“The issue is not rejection from industry, but concern,” he said at the policy launch, noting that redesigning packaging could impose significant costs, particularly for smaller manufacturers.
BPOM said the regulation has been developed through consultations with industry groups, consumer organisations and multiple ministries, including trade and industry.
Two years ago, Indonesia's food and drink industry had urged the government to delay implementation.
ASRIM had expressed concern that label redesigns would inflate production costs, while GAPMMI had also previously warned about potential implications for the industry and the broader economy.
Officials at GAPMMI did not comment on the latest developments when approached by Just Drinks. Similarly, officials at the Indonesian Soft Drink Industry Association (ASRIM) would not comment on the release of the government decree.
Tackling rising health risks
According to government data, around 73% of deaths in Indonesia are linked to non-communicable diseases such as stroke, cardiovascular disease and kidney disorders, slightly above the global average. Officials say excessive consumption of sugar, salt and fat is a key driver of both mortality rates and rising healthcare costs.
Sutopo Patria Jati, director of BPJS Kesehatan, the government agency which operates the country’s universal health insurance, said the policy could help ease pressure on the national health insurance system, where claims are dominated by chronic illnesses.
“This is a strategic step that can help change behaviour,” he told reporters on Tuesday. “Our role has often been like firefighting, responding after problems occur. This policy could help prevent new cases driven by unhealthy consumption.”
