The foods humanity forgot — and how we're bringing them back | Helianti Hilman
Nov 22, 2024
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Helianti Hillman, a food entrepreneur passionate about Indonesia's culinary heritage, dives deep into the importance of food biodiversity. She highlights the stark contrast between Indonesia's rich agricultural diversity and the prevalence of monoculture, which undermines nutrition. Hillman promotes the revival of forgotten local foods, emphasizing their health benefits and cultural significance. Additionally, she discusses the need for integrating food policy with education to cultivate a sustainable future and empower local communities.
Indonesia's food policy crisis highlights the need to shift from monoculture to biodiversity to combat malnutrition and environmental degradation.
Community initiatives, such as cultivating food gardens, significantly enhance nutrition, reduce costs, and improve educational outcomes for children in Indonesia.
Deep dives
The Crisis of Food Policy in Indonesia
Indonesia faces a food policy crisis rather than a food crisis, despite its rich food biodiversity. The country is home to thousands of edible plants and seafood, yet over 98% of the population primarily consumes rice, a result of monoculture practices encouraged by the government. The emphasis on rice cultivation has led to high rates of stunting and malnutrition, while also contributing to deforestation and land degradation. By recognizing and utilizing the diverse food sources available in its various landscapes, Indonesia can create a healthier and more sustainable food system for its people.
Reviving Food Biodiversity for Community Health
Prioritizing food biodiversity not only promotes better nutrition but also enhances community well-being. An example shared in the discussion highlights a village in Central Java that improved its quality of life by cultivating food gardens, leading to reduced grocery costs and better academic performance among children. This community initiative underscores the importance of integrating food culture education into curriculums, teaching children about nutrition and sustainable practices. By embracing and revitalizing heritage foods, Indonesia can transform its identity and relationship with food, paving the way for a healthier future.
Nutritious crops aren't getting to the people who need nutrition most, even in one of the most fertile places on Earth: Indonesia. Exploring some of the forgotten foods from the country's more than 17,000 islands, food entrepreneur Helianti Hillman explains why centering food policy on biodiversity, rather than monoculture, is the key to healthier people and a healthier planet.