Palembang: The City with the Highest Food Security in South Sumatra

Of the four cities in South Sumatra Province, Palembang has the highest food security index.

This is evident from the National Food Agency (Bapanas) report entitled *Food Security and Vulnerability Map 2022 (2021 Indicator Data)*.

According to Law No. 18 of 2012, food security is the condition of sufficient food availability for the nation down to individuals, reflected in the availability of sufficient food, both in quantity and quality, safe, diverse, nutritious, equitable, and affordable, and not contrary to the religion, beliefs, and culture of the community, to be able to live healthy, active, and productive sustainably.

Bapanas measures the food security index in Indonesian cities based on eight main indicators, namely:

1. Percentage of the population living below the poverty line;
2. Percentage of households with a food expenditure proportion >65% of total expenditure;
3. Percentage of households without access to electricity;
4. Percentage of households without access to clean water;
5. Life expectancy at birth;
6. Ratio of population per health worker to population density;
7. Average years of schooling for women over 15 years old; and
8. Percentage of underweight children (stunting).

These indicators are then processed into a score on a scale of 0-100. The higher the score, the better a city's food security is assumed to be.

Using this method, Palembang achieved a score of 74.71 in 2021, the best among other cities in South Sumatra.

Palembang achieved a high score because its residents have relatively easier access to food compared to residents of neighboring cities.

In Palembang, 12.54% of households have a food expenditure ratio >65% of total expenditure.

Meanwhile, in other cities in South Sumatra, the percentage of households with this criterion ranges from 15% to 34%.

Palembang's food security is also supported by a very good distribution of clean water.

In 2021, the percentage of households without access to clean water in Palembang was 2.44%, while in neighboring cities it generally ranged from 29% to 39%.

The highest percentage of households without access to clean water is in Pagar Alam City. Therefore, Pagar Alam achieved the lowest food security index in South Sumatra and is considered one of the most vulnerable in Indonesia.