December 22, 2025 | 04:29 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Chairperson of the Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI), Piprim Basarah Yanuarso, stated that giving instant noodles to toddlers in emergencies can be understandable. He mentioned that in certain conditions, nutritious food options are very limited.
However, Piprim emphasized that instant noodles should not be consumed long-term. He mentioned that tolerance can only be given in the early stages of the emergency response. "Emergency conditions do not last long, maybe only the first three days. If there are no other options except instant noodles, it can still be understandable for survival," said Piprim at the IDAI Office, Salemba, Jakarta, on Monday, December 22, 2025.
Piprim emphasized that toddlers' nutritional needs are very different from those of adults. If the consumption of instant noodles continues for weeks, the risk of nutritional disorders in children will increase.
Instant noodles have high carbohydrate and salt content, but low protein and fiber content, which can harm children's nutrition. "When children, especially toddlers, need sufficient animal protein nutrition with carbohydrates and fats, this will certainly disrupt their nutritional status," said Piprim.
In disaster situations, Piprim suggested considering the provision of complementary feeding with breast milk (MPASI), especially if logistics and assistance become available. "If there is access, the ideal condition, of course, is to set up a public kitchen," said Piprim.
However, if it is not yet feasible, Piprim suggested using retort food technology. This technology refers to the process of sterilizing food in closed packaging using high-temperature heating under certain pressure. The goal is to kill pathogenic microorganisms and heat-resistant spores that can cause spoilage.
Piprim cited rendang (beef stew) as one of the ideal food sources in disaster areas. "These foods can contain protein or carbohydrates that can be eaten without complicated processes. Yesterday, there were also some shipments of rendang, canned food with high nutrition, which is also very much needed," said Piprim.
An ecological disaster struck the provinces of Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra since November 25, 2025. The disaster resulted in 1,106 fatalities, 7,000 injuries, and hundreds of thousands losing their homes. Meanwhile, 175 people are still missing.
A total of 52 districts in the three provinces were affected. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported that floods and landslides in Sumatra caused damage to 147,236 houses, approximately 1,600 public facilities, 967 educational facilities, 434 places of worship, 290 buildings or offices, 219 health facilities, and 145 bridges.
Several media outlets reported that a group of children in Sumatra's disaster areas, specifically Aceh Tamiang, had to eat instant noodles for days on end to survive.
Read: White Flags Raised as Women Slam Flood Disaster Delay
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