Food diversification for malnutrition prevention in Indonesia: a policy and program review

Indonesia faces a complex triple burden of malnutrition, encompassing stunting, wasting, and anemia. Food diversification has been advocated as a sustainable strategy to improve diet quality and prevent malnutrition; however, the effectiveness and implementation of its related policies and programs require a comprehensive review. This review aims to evaluate the current evidence on the effectiveness of food diversification programs in preventing malnutrition in Indonesia and to analyze the barriers and facilitators to their implementation. This scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A literature search was performed across electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and GARUDA) and official government reports to identify relevant studies published between 2017 and 2025. A total of 45 studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed narratively. Local food-based diversification programs, utilizing resources such as fish, tempe, moringa, and pumpkin, demonstrated effectiveness in improving nutrient intake and anthropometric status, particularly among children under five. Interventions that combined supplementary feeding with nutrition education showed superior outcomes. However, significant implementation challenges persisted, including economic constraints, cultural acceptance issues, short program durations, and infrastructural limitations. Key facilitating factors included community participation, multi-sectoral collaboration, and participatory approaches. Food diversification may contribute to prevent malnutrition in Indonesia, particularly when it leverages local food resources and engages communities. Long-term success requires an integrated approach that addresses systemic barriers through multi-sectoral policies, sustainable funding, and empowerment of local communities.