Some ecological considerations of nutrition problems on Java

Indonesia is the world's fifth largest country. In 1968, the Workshop on Food convened by the Indonesian National Institute of Sciences and the National Academy of Sciences of the United States drew attention to the critical nature of the country's food situation. Within Indonesia, Java occupies an unique position, comprising approximately seven percent of the country's total land area and containing almost two‐thirds of its population. Food production dominates the agricultural economy of Java. The main foods are rice, corn, cassava, sweet potatoes, peanuts and soybeans. Fish is the main source of animal protein and supplies are low. In this paper, available data on nutrition conditions are reviewed and an analysis is presented of food production. A number of factors influencing the food and nutrition problems are discussed, including demographic, economic, cultural and institutional factors. An understanding of the ecology of the food and nutrition problems is needed to facilitate the establishment of priorities and the development of programs that can lead to better levels of nutrition, and of health, for the population.