Indonesia is moving to curb a growing public health crisis by mandating that large-scale food and beverage providers implement a latest nutritional labeling system. The Ministry of Health has introduced the “nutri-level” framework, specifically targeting ready-to-eat products and sweetened drinks to help consumers make more informed choices about their intake of sugar, salt, and fat.
The policy, formalized under the Decree of the Minister of Health (KMK) Number HK.01.07/MENKES/301/2026, was issued on April 14, 2026. By introducing a color-coded grading system, the government aims to reduce the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) that have placed an escalating financial and operational strain on the nation’s healthcare infrastructure.
Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin described the initiative as an educational effort designed to prevent the excessive consumption of sugar, salt, and fat (SSF). According to the minister, the goal is to empower the public to “more easily choose the right and healthy ready-to-eat food according to their needs,” as stated in an official communication released on April 16, 2026.
The urgency of the mandate is underscored by a sharp rise in chronic health conditions. The government has highlighted that four specific diseases currently impose the heaviest burden on the Indonesian Social Security Agency (BPJS). Most notably, the cost of treating kidney failure surged by more than 400 percent, rising from Rp2.32 trillion in 2019 to Rp13.38 trillion in 2025.
The Nutri-Level Grading System
The “nutri-level” system operates as a visual shorthand for nutritional quality, allowing consumers to identify the health profile of a product at a glance. Rather than relying solely on complex numerical data, the system uses a four-tier color scale to indicate the concentration of sugar, salt, and fat.
| Level | Color | Nutritional Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Level A | Dark Green | Lowest SSF content |
| Level B | Light Green | Low to Moderate SSF content |
| Level C | Yellow | Moderate to High SSF content |
| Level D | Red | Highest SSF content |
Under this framework, a Level A rating represents the healthiest option, with each subsequent letter indicating an increase in the levels of sugar, salt, or fat. To ensure accuracy, businesses must determine their rating based on self-declarations supported by tests from government-approved or accredited laboratories.
Who is Affected by the New Regulations?
The mandate is not universal across all food vendors; instead, it follows a tiered implementation strategy. At this initial stage, the requirement applies exclusively to large-scale businesses. This includes major chains and commercial entities that produce high-volume sweetened beverages, such as boba tea, pulled tea, palm sugar coffee, and various fruit juices.
For these large-scale operators, the nutri-level labels and accompanying health messages must be clearly displayed across all consumer touchpoints. This includes:
- Physical and digital menus
- Retail packaging and brochures
- Banners and leaflets
- Commercial electronic applications and delivery platforms
Small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), such as street food stalls, traditional food carts, and small independent restaurants, are currently exempt from these requirements. Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has not yet specified a timeline for when these smaller vendors will be required to adopt the labeling system.
Harmonizing Public Health Policy
The move is part of a broader legal effort to align various government agencies under the mandate of the Health Law. By synchronizing disease prevention policies, the government hopes to create a more cohesive approach to public wellness.
The division of regulatory authority is clearly defined to avoid overlap: the Ministry of Health is responsible for ready-to-eat foods, although the National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) maintains authority over processed and manufactured food products. This distinction ensures that both the “fresh” ready-to-eat sector and the industrial manufacturing sector are monitored under the appropriate legal frameworks.
The primary objective of this cross-sector harmony is the prevention of obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes—conditions that the Ministry of Health links directly to the overconsumption of SSF.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for personal health concerns or a legal expert regarding regulatory compliance.
As the policy rolls out, the government is expected to monitor the impact of these labels on consumer behavior and the subsequent effect on BPJS expenditure. The next phase of implementation will likely depend on the ability of large-scale industries to integrate these labels into their digital and physical ecosystems.
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