Indonesia Faces Hypertension Burden as Kemenkes Urges Lower-Salt Diets
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- The Health Ministry estimates about 30% of Indonesians, or 65 million people, have hypertension, with high salt intake cited as a major contributor.
- Officials warn salt consumption is often “hidden,” especially in food bought outside the home, and frequent intake can make people crave stronger flavors.
- The ministry advises practical steps such as washing or soaking salted fish and avoiding extra salt during cooking to help reduce overall intake.
The Health Ministry (Kemenkes) says around 30 percent — or roughly 65 million — Indonesians are living with hypertension.
The figure, officials say, is closely linked to unhealthy lifestyles, including the widespread habit of consuming foods high in salt.
“And salt is very closely associated with hypertension,” said dr. Siti Nadia Tarmizi, Director of Non-Communicable Disease Prevention and Control at the ministry, during a webinar held for the 66th National Nutrition Day in 2026 on the Directorate of Family Health Services’ YouTube channel on Wednesday (Feb. 5, 2026).
She noted that high salt intake often happens without people realizing it, especially through meals purchased outside the home. She added that salt can condition the body when consumed continuously.
As a result, the tongue becomes accustomed to stronger flavors; when salt intake is reduced, food may taste bland. The habit is also reflected in the common practice of adding salt at the dining table.
“That’s why you often see salt added on tables (at restaurants), because they say the standard between the chef’s cooking and our taste buds is different. But that actually means we may already be consuming too much salt,” she added.
Dr. Nadia also highlighted Indonesians’ fondness for salty foods such as salted fish. Even so, she said salted fish does not have to be completely avoided. What matters is how it is prepared so the salt content can be reduced.
She advised that salted fish should be washed or soaked before cooking to lower its salt level. In addition, she said the cooking process should avoid adding excessive salt.
“So if you then add a fairly high salt intake — we know what Indonesians like, right? Eating salted fish. That doesn’t mean you can’t eat salted fish,” she said.
“You can eat salted fish, but before frying it, reduce the saltiness. We know it can be washed or soaked first so the salt level is already lower. And ideally, food preparation should no longer use excessive amounts of salt,” she added.
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