Encouraging Innovation and Sustainable Food Security, IPB University Holds ISoFST 2024 Seminar

IPB University organised The 1st International Seminar on Food Science and Technology (ISoFST) 2024 at the IPB International Convention Center, Bogor (30/10).

This activity is an important platform for researchers, practitioners, and policy makers to exchange knowledge and share insights in advancing food security, sustainability, and innovation to address food system transformation, especially in Indonesia.

In his remarks, IPB University Rector, Prof Arif Satria said that innovation in food safety is now a priority in the food supply chain, covering the entire process from production to packaging. 

“Through this approach, food production not only prioritises quantity but also quality, to ensure the availability of safe and healthy food,” he said through video tapping.

Chair of the ISoFST 2024 Organising Committee, Prof Azis Boing Sitanggang stated that Indonesia is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including extreme events such as floods and droughts, as well as long-term changes due to sea level rise, shifting rainfall patterns, and increasing temperatures. 

“Therefore, there is an urgent need to transform the food system to prepare for a decrease in the quantity and quality of food produced from the agriculture, fisheries and livestock sectors,” he said.

Prof Azis added that the Indonesian government has shown its commitment to food system transformation through key regulations. 

According to him, the Food Law No. 18/2012 provides the legal foundation, while Presidential Decree No. 59-2021 reaffirms the commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

“We are honoured to welcome an outstanding line-up of speakers from the United States, Japan, New Zealand, Taiwan and Malaysia who are experts in their fields, representing diverse perspectives and experiences. Their contributions will certainly inspire discussion and collaboration in this conference,” he said.

During the event, Chairman of IPB University’s International Research Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health, Prof Drajat Martianto added that in 2022, Indonesia’s food security showed a recovery after a decline in the first two years of the pandemic. 

Citing the Global Food Security Index (GFSI), Prof Drajat said that in 2022, there was an improvement in Indonesia’s FSI which reached 60.2. This figure surpasses the 2020-2021 period and places Indonesia in the middle rank among ASEAN countries. 

“Interestingly, the quality and safety pillars experienced a small decline. A comprehensive strategy is needed to address these issues, which includes increasing supply, improving access to agricultural inputs, and preparing for the risks posed by climate change,” he said. 

Present at the event was the Acting Director of Supervision of the Implementation of Food Safety and Quality Standards, National Food Agency, Apriyanto Dwi Nugroho, MSc. He explained about the utilisation of food science and technology to ensure safe and quality food.

Also present via video tapping was the chief of the Food and Drug Administration (BPOM), Dr Taruna Ikrar. He also explained about food safety and security, which is an important foundation in achieving the SDGs. (dr/Rz) (IAAS/RSL)