Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: We carefully read the recently published article entitled ‘The impact of food insecurity on mental health: a critical review’, the authors the authors explain interestingly the impact of food insecurity on mental health.1 The difficulty in obtaining employment amid Indonesia’s economic challenges, which exacerbates food insecurity, poses a significant threat faced by Indonesian society, especially among the lower-income population. Food insecurity not only has implications for mental health but also contributes to changes in social behaviors, potentially increasing the likelihood of engaging in criminal activities within affected communities. In Indonesia, food insecurity remains a significant challenge despite economic growth in recent years. According to the World Food Programme, ~19.4 million Indonesians experienced food insecurity in 2022,2 highlighting the widespread nature of this issue. Areas with high poverty rates and limited access to social safety nets often face heightened levels of food insecurity, exacerbating socio-economic disparities. Food insecurity contributes to economic vulnerability among households, particularly those already living in poverty.3 When families struggle to access sufficient and nutritious food, they may resort to desperate measures to meet their basic needs. Economic disadvantage can lead individuals to engage in criminal activities4 such as theft, burglary, and informal work in the informal sector to survive, thereby increasing crime rates in affected communities. Empirical studies have demonstrated a clear correlation between food insecurity and property crime rates in Indonesia. Research conducted by the Indonesian Institute of Sciences found that households experiencing food insecurity are 30% more likely to engage in criminal activities, particularly theft and burglary, compared to food-secure households.5 This increase in crime rates is often a direct result of the economic desperation that drives individuals to seek resources through illegal means. Data from the Indonesian National Police indicate a significant rise in property crimes in regions with high food insecurity. A study published in the Badan Pusat Statistik (BPS)-Statistics Indonesia reported a 25% increase in theft and burglary rates in districts identified as food-insecure.6 The research highlights that the immediate need to secure food and basic necessities compels individuals to commit crimes, illustrating a direct link between hunger and criminal behavior. This trend is particularly evident in urban and peri-urban areas, where the gap between the rich and the poor is more pronounced. The evidence from Indonesia underscores the complex relationship between food insecurity and criminal behavior. As economic vulnerability increases due to food insecurity, so too does the likelihood of individuals resorting to illegal activities to survive or improve their socio-economic status. Addressing food insecurity through targeted interventions not only alleviates hunger but also contributes to crime prevention and social stability. By prioritizing policies that enhance food security and economic opportunities, Indonesia can mitigate the impact of food insecurity on criminal behavior and foster a safer, more resilient society for all its citizens. The authors declare no conflict of interest in this paper. The authors declared no funding was received for this paper.
Source: Journal of Public Health
Institutions: Politeknik Sahid, Universitas Pgri Banyuwangi
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4401435964