Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Dear Editor We have read the original article, ‘Revisiting Food Security Policy: Indonesia’s Readiness for Crisis.’ It emphasizes the importance of in-depth evaluation and adjustment of Indonesian food security policies, focusing on fertilizer and seed subsidy reform, food diversification, agricultural technology innovation, local community empowerment, and inter-sector collaboration.1 However, one crucial aspect needs to be added to this analysis: psychological well-being. Using the flourishing approach, we seek to add insight into the importance of integrating psychological well-being into Indonesia’s food security policy. Food security is not only about food availability and access to food but is also closely related to the mental health of individuals and communities. Research shows that food security interventions that include mental health aspects can significantly reduce stress and anxiety levels among farmers.2 Thus, integrating psychological well-being in food security policies improves food availability and people’s overall quality of life.3 Therefore, policies that integrate psychological well-being can increase the effectiveness of food security programmes. Mental health training for farmers could include stress management and relaxation techniques while counselling on the importance of psychological well-being could be conducted through community workshops.4 Countries, such as Bhutan and New Zealand, have successfully integrated psychological well-being into their public policies. In Bhutan, the concept of Gross National Happiness is the basis for all public policies, including food security.5 On the other hand, New Zealand has implemented a ‘Well-being Budget’ that focuses on mental health as an integral part of their national policy.6 Case Study from Malaysia Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, has implemented a mental health training programme for farmers. The programme includes sessions on stress management, relaxation techniques and mental health counselling.7 The results show that farmers who participated in the programme experienced a significant reduction in stress levels and an increase in productivity. This example shows that integrating mental health into food security policies can have positive and meaningful results. Further research is needed to explore the relationship between food security and psychological well-being.8 Longitudinal studies involving various communities in Indonesia will provide deeper insights into the impact of food security policies on mental health by observing changes in psychological well-being levels in communities that receive mental health-based interventions compared to those that do not have more effective strategies for food security policy can be found. It is therefore strongly recommended that the Indonesian government develop a food security policy that includes mental health programmes. This could include mental health training for farmers, counselling on the importance of psychological well-being, and integration of mental health services in food security programmes.9 Adopting a more holistic policy approach, the government can help achieve flourishing or optimal development for Indonesians, ensuring sustainable food security and better mental health. By integrating psychological well-being into food security policies, Indonesia can create a society that is not only food secure but also mentally healthy. This holistic approach will bring long-term benefits, improving people’s quality of life and ensuring sustainable food security. Therefore, immediate action is needed to integrate mental health into Indonesia’s food security policy. The authors declare that no funding was received for this paper. The authors declare no conflict of interest in this paper. This article is a critical review and does not contain any new data generated by the authors. All data analyzed in this review are derived from previously published studies, which are all cited within the text. These references can be accessed through their respective publishers or databases. For detailed information on the sources, please refer to the references section of this manuscript. No new, unpublished data were used or produced in the preparation of this review.
Source: Journal of Public Health
Authors: Rikas Saputra, Yenni Lidyawati
Language: English
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4402542936