Chalifah Fatihah
Jakarta, CNN Indonesia – Indonesia is set to introduce a new front-of-package nutrition labeling system, dubbed "Nutri-Level," designed to simplify the complex task of understanding the health implications of packaged foods and beverages for consumers. This innovative system, slated for implementation, will utilize a color-coded and letter-graded approach to convey nutritional quality at a glance, aiming to empower consumers to make more informed dietary choices.
The National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) has championed the Nutri-Level initiative, asserting that its primary objective is to demystify nutritional information. Traditionally, consumers have had to navigate dense and often jargon-filled nutritional tables on product packaging. Nutri-Level promises to streamline this process, allowing individuals to quickly assess whether a product is a healthy option or one that should be consumed in moderation, simply by observing the label’s visual cues.
The conceptual framework of Nutri-Level categorizes products into four distinct tiers based on their content of sugar, salt, and fat (collectively referred to as GGL). These categories will range from ‘A’ (dark green), signifying the lowest GGL content and therefore the healthiest option, to ‘D’ (red), indicating high levels of GGL that warrant limited consumption. This tiered system is intended to provide a clear, immediate visual representation of a product’s nutritional profile.
However, beneath the surface of this seemingly straightforward color-coded system lies a critical question: Will these visual indicators alone be sufficient to instigate lasting changes in consumer eating habits?
Dr. Johanes Chandrawinata, a specialist in nutrition, acknowledges the inherent potential of Nutri-Level as an effective tool. "The Nutri-Level label is being implemented to assist the public in selecting healthier food and beverage options," Dr. Chandrawinata stated in an interview with CNNIndonesia.com on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. "Furthermore, producers will be motivated to improve their products to avoid receiving a red label by reducing their levels of fat, sugar, and salt."
He elaborated that the policy’s impact is anticipated to extend beyond consumers, actively encouraging the food industry to adapt and innovate, leading to the development and production of healthier food products. This dual benefit, he suggests, could foster a more health-conscious market landscape.
The Indispensable Role of Education in Preventing Misinterpretation
Despite the promising concept, Dr. Chandrawinata stressed that the ultimate effectiveness of Nutri-Level hinges critically on comprehensive and adequate public education. Without a robust understanding of the system, consumers may misinterpret the labels, potentially undermining the initiative’s public health goals.
"The implementation of Nutri-Level on food and beverage products must be accompanied by a national campaign emphasizing the importance of reducing sugar, salt, and fat intake to combat the incidence of various diseases," he advised. He highlighted that a lack of widespread educational efforts could relegate the labels to mere decorative additions on packaging, easily overlooked by a populace not yet accustomed to scrutinizing nutritional details.
A significant concern is the potential for consumers to misinterpret the labels, perhaps viewing products with a green label as universally safe and permissible for unlimited consumption. Dr. Chandrawinata conceded that while this risk exists, it might not be substantial. "The risk of the public overconsuming foods and beverages in the green category may occur. However, naturally, few products fall into the green category, and many of these are also less appealing to the public," he observed.
He offered examples such as brown rice or black rice, which possess superior nutritional value but have yet to gain widespread popularity in Indonesia. He further pointed out that consumer food choices remain heavily influenced by taste preferences. Products with strong sweet, savory, or robust flavors, often found in items carrying yellow or red labels, continue to be more favored.
Beyond the Color: The Enduring Need to Read Nutritional Labels
Dr. Chandrawinata also emphasized that the colors on the Nutri-Level should serve as an initial guide, not the sole determinant of a product’s healthfulness. "Additional education should go beyond just looking at the label’s color. It would be highly beneficial if the public also begins to read the nutritional information labels and the complete ingredient list on packaged foods," he urged.
He underscored the paramount importance of the accuracy of information presented on packaging, placing the responsibility squarely on BPOM. Any inaccuracies, he warned, could be detrimental to consumers. Citing international examples, he noted that food labeling claims in many countries are subject to stringent regulations to prevent misleading consumers. Therefore, public education is the linchpin that will enable the public to not only see the colors but also to truly comprehend the contents of the products they are consuming.
The Nutri-Level system, while a significant step, is not a panacea. It represents a foundational effort to enhance consumer awareness, but its success will be amplified by broader lifestyle changes. This includes fostering healthier eating patterns, encouraging regular physical activity, and cultivating positive daily habits.
Collaborations with various health institutions, such as the Indonesian Clinical Nutrition Specialists Association (PDGKI) and the Indonesian Cardiovascular Specialists Association (PERKI), along with health foundations, are deemed essential to bolster public education efforts. Such partnerships can ensure that the Nutri-Level labels evolve from simple visual indicators on packaging into genuinely understood and utilized guides for healthier consumption.
Ultimately, the Nutri-Level may serve as a straightforward alert system for consumers. However, the choice of how to engage with this information – whether to merely glance at the color or to delve deeper and truly understand what is being consumed – will remain a personal decision.
Background and Context of Nutri-Level Implementation
The introduction of the Nutri-Level system is part of a broader global trend towards front-of-package labeling aimed at combating rising rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions, which are strongly linked to unhealthy diets high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. Countries like the United Kingdom, Chile, and Australia have already implemented similar labeling systems with varying degrees of success.
In Indonesia, the prevalence of NCDs has been a growing public health concern. Data from the Ministry of Health indicates a steady increase in these diseases over the past decade, with dietary factors playing a significant role. The Indonesian government, through BPOM, has been actively seeking strategies to promote healthier consumption patterns. The Nutri-Level system is seen as a crucial component of this strategy, aiming to provide accessible and actionable information to the public.
The development of Nutri-Level has involved extensive research and consultation with various stakeholders, including public health experts, consumer advocacy groups, and the food industry. The decision to focus on sugar, salt, and fat content stems from their well-established links to adverse health outcomes. The tiered color-coding system is designed for maximum impact and ease of understanding across diverse demographic groups.
Potential Implications and Industry Response
The introduction of Nutri-Level is expected to have significant implications for the packaged food and beverage industry in Indonesia. Companies will face increased pressure to reformulate their products to achieve more favorable Nutri-Level ratings. This could lead to a surge in innovation as manufacturers strive to reduce GGL content without compromising taste or affordability.
Industry associations have reportedly been engaged in discussions with BPOM regarding the implementation timeline and specific criteria for the Nutri-Level system. While some segments of the industry have expressed support for the initiative, others have raised concerns about the potential economic impact and the need for sufficient lead time to adapt their production processes.
The success of Nutri-Level will also depend on its integration with other public health initiatives, such as dietary guidelines, school nutrition programs, and public awareness campaigns on healthy lifestyles. A holistic approach is crucial to ensure that labeling alone is not overburdened with the responsibility of driving widespread dietary change.
Looking Ahead: A Journey Towards Healthier Choices
The Nutri-Level system represents a significant stride towards empowering Indonesian consumers with clearer nutritional information. However, as Dr. Chandrawinata aptly points out, the visual cues of color and letters are only the beginning. A sustained and comprehensive educational campaign, coupled with a willingness from both consumers and the industry to embrace healthier practices, will be essential for the long-term success of this vital public health intervention. The journey towards healthier eating habits in Indonesia has taken a tangible step forward, but the path requires continued effort and collaboration from all stakeholders.
