Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia has launched the Nutri-Level policy to educate the public on healthier food and beverage choices and to help prevent non-communicable diseases caused by excessive intake of sugar, salt, and fat.Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said on Tuesday that the policy follows up on the Free Health Checkup (CKG) program, which aims to promote healthier lifestyles. He warned that excessive consumption of sugar, salt, and fat contributes to high-mortality diseases such as hypertension and diabetes.“There is extensive research worldwide on this issue. The WHO has outlined clear standards. The burden of these diseases is significant. Rather than treating them after people fall ill, it is better to ensure that we remain healthy,” the minister said.Although he did not recall the exact figure, he noted that a concerning number of children have diabetes, based on CKG results, stressing that no child should suffer from such diseases.He also highlighted the economic burden, noting that BPJS Kesehatan covers around Rp50 trillion in treatment costs for non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes.He expressed hope that the policy would spark a broader healthy lifestyle movement. According to him, initiatives framed as movements tend to attract more public participation than those presented merely as programs.For example, he said, many people have taken up running because it is seen as trendy and stylish. Similarly, drinking coffee without sugar or milk is often perceived as more appealing.He added that there will be a one- to two-year transition period during which companies can voluntarily adopt the labeling system, although detailed regulations for this phase have yet to be finalized.“We will implement it gradually. Eventually, compliance will be mandatory,” he added.The policy was developed in collaboration with the National Food and Drug Authority, the Ministry of Population and Family Development, BPJS Kesehatan, and the Financial Services Authority (OJK).