KFI, TechnoServe launch “Millers for Nutrition” initiative in Indonesia

INDONESIA – The Indonesian Nutrition Foundation for Food Fortification (KFI) and TechnoServe have officially launched the “Millers for Nutrition” coalition in a significant move to address Indonesia’s persistent micronutrient deficiencies.

The launch, held during the “Large Scale Food Fortification (LSFF) for Health, Nutrition Status and Productivity” event, marks a major step in supporting the nation’s goal of achieving improved nutrition security as outlined in the National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) 2025-2029 and the broader Golden Indonesia 2045 vision.

The event brought together key stakeholders from government, industry, and civil society, including representatives from the Ministry of National Development Planning (BAPPENAS), the National Food Agency, the State Logistics Agency (BULOG), and associations representing wheat flour, edible oil, and rice millers.

The coalition aims to strengthen partnerships that will enhance the quality and sustainability of food fortification programs, benefiting both society and business.

Millers for Nutrition, already active in eight countries across Africa and Asia, offers Indonesian millers technical assistance and business advisory services to fortify wheat flour, edible oil, and rice with vital micronutrients.

The coalition connects strategic partners, technical experts, and ecosystem stakeholders to help millers improve food quality, boost operational competitiveness, and access new market opportunities. High-performing millers are also recognized through awards and media visibility1.

“We are thrilled to introduce Millers for Nutrition in Indonesia,” said Monojit Indra, Senior Practice Leader at TechnoServe and Program Leader for Millers for Nutrition Asia.

“We want to unite passionate stakeholders to support Indonesian millers and food processors in achieving fortification excellence and driving meaningful change in the battle against malnutrition. Together, we can transform the future of nutrition in Indonesia”, he added.

Micronutrient deficiencies, including iron deficiency anemia, iodine deficiency, and vitamin A deficiency, remain a pressing challenge in Indonesia, contributing to increased maternal and child mortality, stunted growth, impaired intelligence, and reduced productivity. These deficiencies not only threaten the health and development of the population but also undermine economic growth and strain healthcare systems.

Food fortification, the process of adding essential vitamins and minerals to staple foods, has been identified as a highly effective and cost-efficient strategy to combat these deficiencies.

The Indonesian government has recognized mandatory food fortification as a priority in its National Long-Term Development Plan (RPJPN) 2025-2045, positioning LSFF as a cornerstone program to improve public health and nutritional status.

Amich Alhumami, Deputy for Development of Human, Society, and Cultural Affairs at BAPPENAS, emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach in his keynote address.

“The mandatory fortification program has become a shared commitment, not only at the national level, but also internationally,” he said, highlighting the need for synergy among government, industry, NGOs, and academia to ensure the success of large-scale food fortification efforts1.

The event featured a central panel discussion with representatives from the edible oil, wheat flour, and rice sectors, who explored the challenges and opportunities of implementing Indonesia’s food fortification standards.

Recognizing leadership and innovation in food fortification

The gathering concluded with the presentation of awards to industry leaders and innovators, including:

• Indonesia Wheat Flour Fortification Leadership Award: Asosiasi Produsen Tepung Terigu Indonesia (APTINDO)
• Indonesia Edible Oil Fortification Leadership Awards: Gabungan Industri Minyak Nabati Indonesia (GIMNI) and Asosiasi Industri Minyak Makan Indonesia (AIMMI)
• Indonesia Rice Fortification Advocate: Ir. Sutarto Alimoeso, MM

Several fortified rice producers were also recognized as Fortified Rice Industry Pioneers, including PT. Thara Jaya Niaga, PT. Food Station Tjipinang Jaya (PERSERODA), PT. Sinar Makmur Komoditas, PT. Dewa Tunggal Abadi, PERUM BULOG, PT. Pangan Nabati Umbi Nusantara, PT. Siamo Berkah Sejahtera, PT. Microfin Cipta Perdana, and PT. Buyung Poetra Sembada Tbk1.

Millers for Nutrition is powered by TechnoServe and supported by a coalition of Strategic Fortification Partners, including BASF, Buhler, dsm-firmenich, Mühlenchemie, SternVitamin, and BioAnalyt, as well as regional partners such as Hexagon Nutrition Ltd, Piramal Nutrition Solutions, and Sanku.

The initiative invites more millers and stakeholders to join in advancing food fortification excellence and improving the nation’s health outcomes.

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