1. Abstract

The article investigates how Indonesia’s dietary transition—from traditional plant-based diets toward higher consumption of animal-based products—has intensified environmental pressures. These shifts, driven by rapid urbanization and economic growth, contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss.
Using the planetary health framework, the study examines the interdependence between human well-being and ecosystem stability. A qualitative review of scientific literature and environmental assessments highlights that resource-intensive foods are major contributors to Indonesia’s ecological footprint.
The findings emphasize the necessity for systemic transformations, including sustainable dietary policies and public awareness initiatives that align food security with ecological preservation.

Keywords: foodprint, planetary health, sustainable diets, environmental impact, Indonesia.

2. Introduction

Dietary behavior significantly shapes environmental sustainability, particularly in nations undergoing socioeconomic transformation. Indonesia exemplifies this shift as urbanization and income growth have led to a steady increase in animal-based food consumption, replacing traditional staples like rice, vegetables, and legumes.
While these changes mirror global trends, they present serious environmental challenges: elevated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, water depletion, land conversion, and biodiversity loss—all contributing to a growing foodprint.
Livestock production, a key driver of methane and nitrous oxide emissions, exacerbates climate change and complicates Indonesia’s climate goals. Additionally, meat production demands vast water resources—up to 15,000 liters per kilogram of beef compared to roughly 1,800 liters for rice—exacerbating water scarcity.
Deforestation and land-use changes for feed production further threaten biodiversity in one of the world’s richest tropical ecosystems. Within this context, the planetary health approach underscores the urgent need to realign food systems that support both nutritional well-being and ecological integrity.

3. Methods

The research employs a narrative literature review, selected for its flexibility in synthesizing interdisciplinary findings from environmental science, nutrition, and public health.
The process included:

1. Identification of Sources: Literature was gathered from Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar using keywords such as dietary transitions, planetary health, and foodprint.

2. Selection of Studies: Relevant studies addressing GHG emissions, water usage, deforestation, and biodiversity loss in Indonesia were included.

3. Thematic Synthesis: Data were organized into key thematic areas—emissions, water resources, land use, and biodiversity.

4. Critical Analysis: Insights from academic works and policy reports were integrated to evaluate Indonesia’s food systems in light of planetary health principles.

This qualitative synthesis provides a comprehensive understanding of how dietary shifts influence the country’s ecological and public health outcomes.

4. Results

The review identifies three major dimensions: dietary transitions, environmental impacts, and public health implications.

a) Dietary Transition

Indonesia’s diet has shifted from plant-based meals toward higher intake of animal products and processed foods, particularly in urban settings. This transition parallels global patterns linked to Westernized diets and correlates with rising rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

b) Environmental Impacts

1. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Livestock contributes significantly to methane and nitrous oxide emissions, amplifying national GHG levels.

2. Water Consumption: Animal-based food production is far more water-intensive than plant-based alternatives, aggravating freshwater shortages.

3. Land Conversion & Biodiversity Loss: Expansion of grazing land and feed crops (notably soy) drives deforestation and habitat degradation, diminishing carbon sequestration and ecosystem services.

c) Public Health Effects

The dietary transition heightens NCD prevalence and indirectly affects health through climate-induced challenges like food insecurity and infectious disease spread.

5. Discussion

Interpreting these results through the five domains of planetary health, the study discusses multidimensional implications:

1. Interconnection with Nature:
   The loss of biodiversity and ecological services—such as soil fertility and water purification—threatens long-term food security. Agroecological farming practices are recommended to restore these linkages.

2. The Anthropocene and Health:
   Indonesia’s dietary trends reflect Anthropocene dynamics, where human activity disrupts planetary boundaries and public health. Sustainable dietary guidelines promoting plant-based foods are crucial to mitigate risks.

3. Systems Thinking:
   Addressing dietary change requires a systems-based approach integrating economic, cultural, and policy perspectives. Multi-sectoral collaboration is vital to balance health and environmental objectives.

4. Equity and Justice:
   Environmental degradation disproportionately affects marginalized and rural populations. Equitable access to nutritious, sustainable foods must be prioritized through inclusive policy design.

5. Movement Building:
   Transformational change depends on collective efforts among government, civil society, and private actors. Building social movements that advocate plant-based diets and sustainable agriculture can accelerate systemic reform.

6. Policy Recommendations

The paper proposes six strategic actions:

1. Develop national dietary guidelines that encourage plant-based diets and reduced meat consumption.

2. Provide financial incentives for sustainable and biodiversity-friendly farming.

3. Expand food security programs to ensure equitable access to healthy local foods.

4. Enforce stricter land-use and deforestation regulations with sustainable water management.

5. Promote local agroecological food systems to strengthen food sovereignty.

6. Foster cross-sectoral collaboration among ministries and stakeholders to align public health, agriculture, and sustainability agendas.

7. Conclusion

The study concludes that Indonesia’s rapid dietary transition presents significant challenges to both environmental and public health. Increased consumption of animal-based foods intensifies GHG emissions, water depletion, and biodiversity loss, while also fueling the rise of chronic diseases.
To achieve a sustainable food future, Indonesia must integrate planetary health principles—linking human health to ecological balance—through policy, education, and public engagement.
Adopting sustainable dietary patterns will strengthen resilience to climate change and ensure a healthier coexistence between people and the planet.

8. References (key works cited)

FAO (2020); Whitmee et al. (2015); Rockström et al. (2009); Popkin (2006); Tilman & Clark (2014); Poore & Nemecek (2018); Hoekstra & Mekonnen (2012); IPCC (2014).