A study of potential food loss and food waste of agricultural commodities in Indonesia

Abstract

In alignment with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target 12.3 to address food loss and waste (FLW), this study implemented the "target-measure-act"approach through secondary data analysis of Indonesia's agricultural commodities. Using the Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO's) weight-based methodology, FLW was quantified across all food supply chain (FSC) stages (production to consumption) in each Indonesian province for five food categories. The results indicated an annual average of 41.8 million tons of FLW (2018-2023), comprising 21% food waste and 79% food loss, with consistent yearly increases. Production and processing/packaging accounted for 28% each of total losses, with cereals and fruits contributing 37% and 36%, respectively. Geographically, Java's provinces dominated the FLW generation, accounting for 47.4% of the total FLW. The impacts were substantial, representing daily per capita nutrient losses of 343 kcal (16% of requirements) and annual economic losses of IDR 484 trillion (USD 29.88 billion). These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions, particularly in the production and processing stages for cereals and fruits, as Indonesia's dominant agricultural commodities. The comprehensive mapping provides a foundation for evidence-based policy actions to reduce FLW across the FSC.