JAKARTA – August 28, 2024. Indonesian youth, as part of the country’s demographic bonus, play a key role in realizing the vision of Golden Indonesia 2045, in which improving the quality of health and education are the main pillars. There are various ways young people can participate in adopting a healthier lifestyle while also protecting the planet. These range from small steps at home to joining collective movements on a global scale, such as Meatless Monday Indonesia (MMI), which aims to encourage Indonesians—especially urban people of productive age—to reduce meat consumption for their health and the sustainability of the Earth.

This was stated by Dian Rosdiana, Executive Director of Jalin Foundation, in welcoming the Parara Youth World Month event held on Wednesday (August 28) at Parara Ethical Store & Café, Kemang, South Jakarta. In this event, themed “Intergenerational Solidarity: Sustainable Nusantara,” the collaboration between Jalin Foundation and the Panen Raya Nusantara Consortium (Parara) aims to provide a deeper understanding of the Meatless Monday movement in Indonesia, including what has already been done and its future agenda.

In addition, Dian explained that this activity emphasizes that MMI, as part of the global Meatless Monday movement implemented in 40 countries, can be followed by young people to begin becoming more aware of healthy and sustainable lifestyles.

The event, which was supported by 50 organizations, also featured a talk show titled “The Importance of Transformation in the Food System for the Younger Generation.” Representing MMI, Andi Reski was present as a speaker. In his presentation, Ekki emphasized that the main concept promoted by MMI is to encourage people to reduce their consumption of meat (red meat, poultry, seafood, and dairy products) and increase their intake of vegetables, fruits, and legumes.

Monday was chosen because it is considered the ideal start of the week to begin change and build new habits.

“This is what differentiates the MMI movement from a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. MMI also does not aim to completely eliminate meat consumption, but only to reduce it for one day a week,”
said Ekki.

Furthermore, the talk show also highlighted the various benefits of avoiding meat and its derivatives for one day each week. According to Ekki, the health benefits include controlling cholesterol, improving digestion, managing body weight, strengthening the immune system, and helping reduce the risk of other non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Beyond its health benefits, the MMI movement also plays an important role in preserving natural resources and combating climate change. In addition, Ekki hopes that MMI can promote the diversity of local plant-based foods as part of its mission to encourage healthier eating habits and environmental sustainability.