Source: image by Freepik

Interning abroad involves various new and exciting challenges. For Anna, a young intern from Sweden, her time in Indonesia, specifically in Yogyakarta, or better known as Jogja, offered more than just professional growth; it presented an interesting challenge – the struggle to find, order and buy healthy food, especially from restaurants.  Anna’s story highlights the importance of a balanced diet and how it impacts overall well-being, regardless of one’s geographical location.

Indonesia, with its rich culinary diversity, presents a paradoxical food landscape where abundance coexists with nutritional challenges that resonates with Sustainable Development Goals 2 and 3. Anna’s struggle highlights the critical need for access to nutritious food, a core aspect of SDG 2, which aims to end hunger and promote sustainable agriculture. Simultaneously, it reflects SDG 3’s emphasis on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being, as proper nourishment is integral to maintaining good health and vitality. This situation in Indonesia mirrors a global concern where dietary habits are influenced by the availability and affordability of food, impacting both physical and mental health outcomes. Anna’s experience serves as a microcosm of the ongoing efforts to achieve food security and improved nutrition, advocating for a systemic approach to address these intertwined goals. read more