Food Bank Proposal in the Revision of the Law

The government is currently discussing the amendment to Law No. 18 of 2012 on Food, as amended by Regulation of the Government in Lieu of Law No. 2 of 2022 on Job Creation (collectively referred to as “Law 18/2012”). One of the proposals is a food bank based on local wisdom aimed at distributing food surplus.

“There is a proposal from civil society organizations regarding a food bank based on local wisdom,” said Riyono, a member of Commission IV of the House of Representatives (DPR), to Hukumonline.

In addition to ensuring no food is wasted, the food bank concept integrates local values into its implementation. This is particularly needed in communities with urgent food needs.

Unlike conventional food banks that receive processed food from large industries, a food bank based on local wisdom will prioritize locally available food items.

Riyono also emphasized the importance of local food as the foundation of national food security. This foundation also serves as an incentive to make local food the main focus of regulatory changes.

“Local food is the food of the future. If we are serious about food sovereignty, one of the indicators is not importing food,” he said.