Food Rescue Warriors: DBS Indonesia’s Innovative Fight Against Hunger and Food Waste

An inspiring initiative transforming surplus food into hope for vulnerable communities.

In an effort to address food waste and hunger while promoting sustainability, Bank DBS Indonesia has made remarkable strides through its Food Rescue Warrior programme. Evolving from the #MakanTanpaSisa movement launched in 2020, the initiative now collaborates with players in the horeca sector (hotels, restaurants, and cafés), shopping malls, and business districts to rescue surplus food and distribute it to those in need.

Since its launch in April 2024, the Food Rescue Warrior programme has created a significant impact:

• Over 134,700 kg of surplus food rescued, processed into 658,071 nutritious meals, and distributed to 53,046 vulnerable individuals.
• Collaborations with 28 hotels and 56 food tenants, including prominent names like Holland Bakery, Solaria, and Le Meridien Jakarta.
• Establishment of three urban farms, providing training to 52 individuals and employing four sponsored youths.
• Sustainable management of 74,695 kg of food waste, preventing it from reaching landfills.

This initiative, in collaboration with FoodCycle Indonesia, is part of DBS Indonesia’s commitment to making an Impact Beyond Banking. It aligns with the bank’s sustainability pillars by fostering a more prosperous society and promoting environmental sustainability.

A Vision for Food Security

According to the 2023 Global Hunger Index, Indonesia ranks 70th out of 107 countries, indicating a serious level of hunger. Furthermore, the 2022 Global Food Security Index (GFSI) ranks Indonesia 63rd out of 113 countries, below regional neighbors like Vietnam and Malaysia. These figures highlight the urgency of addressing malnutrition and food security.

“The Indonesian government has demonstrated a strong commitment to combating malnutrition and hunger,” said Mona Monika, Head of Group Strategic Marketing & Communications at PT Bank DBS Indonesia. “However, collective efforts are essential. Through the Food Rescue Warrior programme, we aim to involve more partners and empower the public to make a meaningful difference in addressing these challenges.”

Expanding Impact in 2025

In the coming year, DBS Indonesia plans to broaden the reach of the Food Rescue Warrior programme. The focus will shift toward equitable nutrition distribution to underserved regions, including remote areas. Additionally, the programme will promote urban farming as a creative solution to bolster food security and provide fresh produce.

“Providing nutritious food for vulnerable communities reflects our commitment to being the ‘Best Bank for a Better World,’” added Mona Monika. “We will continue to expand our partnerships to build a healthier, more equitable society with improved access to essential nutrition.”

Building a Sustainable Future

DBS Indonesia’s efforts go beyond addressing immediate needs. By working closely with an ecosystem of partners, the bank fosters long-term food security and sustainable food waste management practices. The initiative also highlights the significant role that businesses, particularly those in the horeca sector, can play in reducing food waste and bridging nutritional gaps in society.

To learn more about the Food Rescue Warrior programme and view participating tenants, visit https://go.dbs.com/id-tzfw.

---

About DBS Indonesia
Bank DBS Indonesia, part of the Singapore-based DBS Group, is a leading financial institution committed to sustainable practices and social impact. With operations in 15 major cities across Indonesia, the bank continues to support customers, employees, and communities in building a better future.

About DBS Foundation
Since its inception in 2014, DBS Foundation has been uplifting lives through initiatives focused on food resilience, financial literacy, and support for social enterprises. By 2024, the foundation committed SGD 1 billion over the next decade to support vulnerable communities and pledged 1.5 million employee volunteer hours to foster a sustainable and inclusive future.