Indonesia
The Situation
Indonesia is a lower middle-income country and the largest economy in Southeast Asia. Although the country continues to make considerable progress towards eliminating hunger, it still faces challenges including: limited food access, malnutrition, gender inequality, climate change and vulnerability to natural hazards. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these challenges, and reversed years of progress in reducing poverty and hunger levels. On the 2021 Global Hunger Index, Indonesia is ranked 73rd out of 116 countries.
The triple burden of malnutrition is a growing concern. High stunting and wasting rates coexist with increasing rates of obesity. Almost 31% of children under the age of 5 suffer from stunted growth due to malnutrition.
WFP's Work
WFP has worked in Indonesia since 1964. The UN agency left the country in 1996 but was invited to return in 1998 to respond to the Asian financial crisis and drought exacerbated by El Niño.
WFP continues to support the government of Indonesia by focusing through activities including:
- Food security analysis: WFP supports the government in improving its food security early warning and monitoring systems, enabling policymakers to base their decisions on up-to-date evidence and enhanced analysis.
- Nutrition: WFP advocates for and promotes healthy and affordable diets to prevent all forms of malnutrition.
- Disaster preparedness: WFP works with the government on strengthening partnerships, coordination and capacities for efficient disaster response.
