Indonesia’s GHI stood at 21.9 last year, according to the World Bank, which puts it in the category of “serious.” A higher index indicates a more severe hunger, meaning that the nation’s score in 2008 was worse, at 28.6.

"In the past we knew about good agricultural practices, but today that's not enough," said Shinta Kamdani, president of the Indonesia Business Council for Sustainable Development, during the 2017 Responsible Business Forum on Tuesday.

(Read also: Rice center to be established in Indramayu)

“We need to have precise agriculture practices using technology to track supply and demand and cut the food supply chain to make it affordable and accessible for all people.”

Businesspeople at the annual forum formed working groups based on several commodities to come up with concrete recommendations to improve practices in aquaculture and fisheries, cocoa, coffee, dairy, grains, palm oil, and rice.

Big firms are urged to partner up with and coach farmers as they are seen as key players in ensuring the sustainability of the nation’s agriculture.

"Small farmers are the key players to boosting agriculture, yet most of them still live in poverty [and suffer from malnutrition]," said Franky Widjaja, co-chairman of Indonesia Sustainable Agriculture (PISAgro).

World Bank data shows 7.6 percent of the Indonesian population is undernourished and 36.4 percent of children under 5 years old have stunted growth. (bbn)

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