Strengthening Nutrition-Specific Policies for Adolescents in Indonesia: A Qualitative Policy Analysis

Background: There is a growing recognition of the importance of adolescent health and well-being. Yet, little attention has been paid to adolescent nutrition, and few policies and programs are targeting to improve adolescent nutrition in Indonesia. Objective: This analysis aimed to identify (1) the extent to which adolescents are considered in nutrition policy in Indonesia and (2) opportunities to improve nutrition policy content to effectively target adolescents. Methods: We collected data on policy content through a desk review of national and subnational level nutrition-specific strategic plans, laws, regulations, and program guidelines. We then conducted 74 key informant interviews with policy makers and program experts in health, education, and related sectors using semistructured interview guides based on policy theory to examine policy context and implementation. The policy content and interview data were analyzed using thematic synthesis and narrative analysis. Results: Currently, 2 nutrition-specific policies and programs are designed to improve adolescent nutrition in Indonesia, one focusing on iron-folic acid supplementation for adolescent girls and another on obesity prevention and management in schools. These programs are yet to be implemented at scale. Overall, adolescent nutrition is not yet considered a priority in the national development agenda. An opportunity exists to improve action on adolescent nutrition in Indonesia through scaling up of district-level policies and through improving coordination mechanisms across sectors. Conclusions: Few policies and programs exist to support adolescent nutrition in Indonesia. Coordinated efforts across relevant sectors and levels of government should be made to mainstream adolescent nutrition into relevant policies.