Jakarta, April 14 -- Indonesia has launched the Nutri-Level policy to educate the public on healthier food and beverage choices and to help prevent non-communicable diseases caused by excessive intake of sugar, salt, and fat.

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said on Tuesday that the policy follows up on the Free Health Checkup (CKG) program, which aims to promote healthier lifestyles. He warned that excessive consumption of sugar, salt, and fat contributes to high-mortality diseases such as hypertension and diabetes.

"There is extensive research worldwide on this issue. The WHO has outlined clear standards. The burden of these diseases is significant. Rather than treating them after people fall ill, it is better to ensure that we rem...