Potential of Local Functional Foods for Food Security in Indonesia: A Narrative Review
Keywords:
Local Functional Food, Food Security, Sustainable Agriculture, Moringa, Porang, Sago, IndonesiaAbstract
Local functional foods have emerged as a critical yet underutilized resource for enhancing food security in developing countries. This narrative review explores the role and potential of Indonesian local functional foods particularly Moringa oleifera, Amorphophallus konjac, and Metroxylon sagu in addressing key nutritional and systemic challenges within national food systems. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major databases using targeted keywords and inclusion criteria focusing on food security, biodiversity, nutrition, and sustainable systems. The review synthesizes evidence on the nutritional profiles, ecological adaptability, health benefits, accessibility, and institutional challenges associated with these foods. Findings indicate that these crops are rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds, demonstrate resilience to climate change, and are culturally integrated within local food practices. However, their full potential is constrained by weak policy frameworks, fragmented institutional support, and limited consumer awareness. Comparative analyses with countries such as India, Brazil, and West African nations reveal effective models of integrating functional foods into public nutrition and procurement policies. This review recommends cross sectoral policy integration, investment in infrastructure, and public education to promote local food systems. It also calls for further research on the socio economic impacts of functional food integration in vulnerable regions. Local functional foods represent a strategic avenue for achieving sustainable and inclusive food security in Indonesia.
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