UNAIR Discusses Food Security Strategies in Expert-Led Talk Show
Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) recently held a talk show titled “Food Security and the Culture of Nutritious Eating,” which took place on December 30, 2024, at the Hall of the Management Office on the MERR-C Campus. The event featured a panel of experts, including Erik Marsudi Hutomo, owner of Ayam Bakar Pak D; Awaludin Iqbal, Regional Head of BULOG East Java; and Dr. Andriyanto, SH, M.Kes, Head of the East Java Regional Research and Innovation Agency.
Discussion on Food Security
The discussion centered on the role of community initiatives in ensuring food security. Dr. Andriyanto emphasized the importance of altering societal perspectives on nutritious eating, noting that nutrition should be viewed as a strategic investment in economic development. He highlighted that improving public nutrition begins with exclusive breastfeeding for infants and the provision of nutrient-rich complementary foods for children.
Dr. Andriyanto further noted that malnutrition contributes to wider societal issues, such as stunting. He indicated that while poverty plays a role in malnutrition, it accounts for only 30% of cases, with ineffective parenting practices being a more significant factor. He stressed the critical impact of nutrition on child development, indicating that malnutrition may lead to learning disabilities and hinder educational achievement.
The conclusion drawn was that achieving food security involves more than simply ensuring food availability; it also requires fostering an understanding of nutrition’s advantages in order to reduce stunting and improve human capital.
Challenges Faced by MSMEs
Erik Marsudi Hutomo highlighted challenges faced by micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in achieving food security, particularly issues related to food distribution and quality. He called for collective efforts to support local businesses that are integral to Indonesia’s economy. Hutomo advised prioritizing local products and suggested that government initiatives should focus on enhancing local resource availability rather than relying on imports.
Market Dynamics and BULOG’s Role
Awaludin Iqbal addressed the rising dependency on imported rice and wheat, despite Indonesia’s agricultural capabilities. He attributed this trend to shifting consumer preferences and an increasing demand for wheat-based foods, both of which pose a threat to the nation’s food security.
Iqbal advocated for diversifying food sources and promoting local alternatives to traditional carbohydrates. He reinforced the importance of strengthening both upstream and downstream agricultural sectors to enhance food availability and stability within Indonesia.
The talk show underscored the complexity of food security, highlighting the need for community involvement, effective business strategies, and strategic governmental policies to foster sustainability and reliability within food systems.
(Source: Universitas Airlangga)
