This profound statement serves as an unapologetic indictment of nations that, despite their abundance, perpetuate a wasteful culture. The paradox unfolds as a stark reality, highlighting the glaring societal shortcomings, including high levels of hunger, dependence on imported basic foodstuffs and the persistent issue of stunting rates. The challenge lies in reconciling and prompting a revaluation of priorities to address issues of food security and fostering a more sustainable and equitable future.

Ranked at an undesirable second position, with an annual food waste of 300 kilograms per capita, this is accentuated by the stark reality of Indonesia ranking 77th on the Global Hunger Index, coupled with a distressing stunting rate of 22 percent in 2022.

Exacerbating the situation, Indonesia's existing food reserves only last for 21 days, a significant disparity compared with Thailand's 143 days and China's two years, and then the country still depends significantly on the global market for its essential food requirements, as six out of the nine vital necessities must be sourced from other nations.

It is imperative for Indonesia to chart a course toward a more equitable future, where the burden of excess is converted into sustenance for those in need. This transformative journey necessitates not only policy adjustments but also a collective determination to ensure that no citizen is left hungry amid abundance.

Metropolitan areas play a pivotal role, a comparative analysis reveals that the average food waste generated by residents of large cities is 4.3 times higher than that of their counterparts in medium and small cities. At this juncture, food waste becomes an amalgamation of the distribution, sale and consumption stages within the food supply chain, encompassing diverse sources in urban areas, including households, offices, business centers, public spaces and traditional markets.

This issue extends beyond mere wastefulness, it might indirectly represent an assault on the financial well-being of the nation. From an economic perspective, the scale is staggering, with an annual volume of 48 million tonnes. This magnitude translates into economic losses amounting to Rp 551 trillion (US$35.5 billion) per year, equivalent to 4-5 percent of Indonesia's gross domestic product.