The Foods Humanity Forgot — and How We’re Bringing Them Back | Helianti Hilman | TED

Indonesia faces a food policy crisis despite possessing abundant food biodiversity. The speaker advocates shifting from a rice-focused monoculture to a more diverse food system, which would improve nutrition, reduce poverty, and protect the environment. The current policy ignores Indonesia's rich heritage food and needs to be revised to integrate food biodiversity for a more sustainable and healthy future.

Indonesia's Food Biodiversity

• 00:00:08 Indonesia has extensive food biodiversity, including over 1,200 grains, 600 edible roots, and over 550 fruits, among others. This diversity is linked to the country's diverse landscapes, from rainforests and mangroves to arid and peatland areas. Each landscape provides unique food sources, offering a variety of dietary options, rather than a 'one-fits-all' approach.

Current Food Policy

• 00:03:30 Indonesia's food policy for over four decades has focused on a rice-based monoculture, ignoring the country's biodiversity. This has resulted in a significant shift in the diet, with over 98% of the population consuming rice compared to only 53% in 1954. This focus has led to negative consequences, including stunting, malnutrition, deforestation, and land degradation.

Negative Impacts of Monoculture

• 00:04:06 The current food policy has significant negative impacts, such as high rates of stunting and malnutrition. The focus on rice monoculture has also contributed to deforestation, land degradation, climate change, and impoverished farmers, highlighting the detrimental effects of neglecting Indonesia's food biodiversity.

Proposed Policy Shift

• 00:04:26 A policy shift from monoculture to food biodiversity is needed to improve Indonesia's food security and health. The focus should be on reviving heritage foods that are nutritious, sustainable, and in line with nature's balance. This includes promoting food gardens in households and integrating food culture education into the curriculum to educate the public on the benefits of food biodiversity.

Food Identity Crisis

• 00:06:38 Indonesia faces a food identity crisis due to the decades-long focus on a monoculture. The speaker suggests that through rebranding and promoting these forgotten foods, they can be seen as an important part of Indonesia's culinary heritage and a sustainable solution for the future. This involves helping people reconnect with their cultural heritage and appreciate the role of heritage foods in a healthy and sustainable future.