Respecting, protecting and fulfilling the right to food and nutrition during the economic crisis: the Indonesian perspective.

PIP: This article presents perspectives on the availability and stability of food and nutrition during the economic crisis in Indonesia. The Indonesian Food Law defined food security as a condition in which every household has access to adequate and affordable food. However, due to economic crisis and El Nino induced drought, food availability and accessibility declined leading to poverty and malnutrition. In response to this crisis, the Indonesian government launched several food policies and programs such as the Social Safety Net Program (SSN). The objective of this program is to help minimize the risk of malnutrition, loss of educational opportunities and lack of health services. Supplementary feeding of infants and malnourished pregnant mothers was part of the nutrition component of SSN. The authorities decided to apply the SSN program not only in times of crisis but as part of the nutrition program. Furthermore, all UN agencies should monitor and coordinate with the SSN in the growth and development of Indonesians in order to make the SSN program effective.^ieng