The Growing Burden of Diabetes Among Teenagers

 The Growing Burden of Diabetes Among Teenagers

By : Axell Arkaditya Sigai

Accepted Date : 26 February 2025

    Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by high blood sugar levels in the body due to insulin resistance. Diabetes is a disease that is increasingly prevalent among teenagers. The widespread availability of high-sugar products in society, lack of knowledge about daily sugar limits, and lack of attention to reading product compositions are causes of the increasing cases of diabetes among teenagers. According to data from Changing Diabetes in Children (CDIC) Indonesia, more than 1,500 children in Indonesia live with type-1 diabetes. 

    The widespread availability of high-sugar products in society has led to excessive sugar consumption among teenagers, increasing their risk of diabetes. Products like sweetened drinks, candies, and snacks with high sugar content are easily found in stores, schools, and even online. For instance, Golda Coffee, an affordable packaged coffee drink, contains 19 grams of sugar in a 200ml bottle, with water as its main ingredient. This already accounts for 38% of the body's recommended sugar intake.

    Lack of knowledge about daily sugar intake limits can increase the risk of diabetes in teenagers. Many teenagers are unaware of the recommended daily sugar intake. According to the Indonesian Ministry of Health (Kemkes), an individual should only consume 50 grams of sugar (equivalent to 4 tablespoons) per day.

    Lack of attention to reading product composition is also a concern. Teenagers often fail to notice the sugar content and composition of a product, either because they don't know how to properly read nutrition labels. This makes them unable to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy products. According to data from the Indonesian Ministry of Health in 2022, 28.7% of the Indonesian population consumes Sugar, Salt, and Fat (SSF) exceeding the recommended limits.

    Diabetes in teenagers is a concerning condition. Factors like high-sugar products, lack of knowledge about sugar consumption, and neglecting to read product labels can increase the risk of diabetes. We must be vigilant and take preventive measures.

The Negatif Impact of Coruption in Indonesia

 The Negatif Impact of Coruption in Indonesia

By : Dhoya Aulanuski

Accepted Date : 17 March 2025

    Corruption is the Missuse of State Funds For personal gain. It is one of the Problems that hinders the Progress of a country as irresponsible individuals misuse state funds that should be used for the common good. I believe that Corruption is the main cause of the difficulty in Progressing in the education, health, and economic sectors, and it exposes the injustice

     First, Corruption drains the state budget through embezzlement and abuse of authority. Public funds that should be Used for development end up in Private Pockets, hindering People's Welfare, and reducing investor confidence, which has an impact on economic growth. According to data from the Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW), state losses due to Corruption cases have reached IDR 238. 14 trillion over the Past 10 Years.

    Secondly, Corruption Prevents education and health funds From reaching their intended destination. Schools lack Fasilities, books, and quality teachers. While health services deteriorate due to misuse of funds for medical devices and medicines. As a result, Inequality Of access increases and the quality of life of the community decreases.

    Then, corruption maintains a handful of people in power, while the poor are increasingly left behind. People with money or connections gain advantages in law, education, and public services, deepening social Inequality. Like the 271 trillion corruption case of Harvey Moeis who was only sentenced to 6.5 Years in Prison on the grounds of having a family.

     Corruption is the root of many problems in a Country. Corruption harms the country's economy, hinders development in the education and health sectors, and making worse in social in justice. If the corruption left many individuals will continue to do corruption. It is hindering the development and worsening inequality in sociaty

The Plastic Waste Crisis: A Threat to Our Planet

The Plastic Waste Crisis: A Threat to Our Planet

By : Jophie Kornelius Persada Meliala
Accepted Date : 13 March 2025

    Plastic waste is a serious threat to the environment because it has very bad impact and can damage ecosystems. Plastic waste pollutes the ocean, harms marine life, and distrupts the food chain. Improper plastic waste management, such as burning, causes air pollution and climate change. Natural disasters like floods happen because people throw plastic waste carelessly, which blocks drainage systems. When burned or decomposed, plastic waste releases harmful pollutants into the air, which can cause serious health problems for humans and animals. Therefore, people need to be aware of this problem, reduce plastic use, and manage plastic waste wisely.

    Firstly, ocean pollution caused by plastic waste can harms, contaminate the ocean and damage marine ecosystems. Plastic waste in the ocean not only ruins its visual beauty but also has a destructive impact on marine life. Sea creatures, such as fish, turtles, and seabirds, often get trapped or swallow plastic waste, leading to injuries, digestive problems, and even death. A common example is fish found with plastic waste inside their stomachs, turtles tangled in plastic waste that causes deformities or suffocation, and seabirds feeding their chicks, which causes malnutrition and death. If this continues, the balance of marine ecosystems and the food chain will be distrupted.

    Secondly, improper plastic waste management creates various environmental problems. Carelessly disposing of plastic waste can clog drainage systems, causing floods, especially in urban areas. In addition, uncontrolled burning of plastic waste produces harmful gas emissions and toxic particles that pollute the air. Toxic gases and greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) significantly contribute to global warming, which eventually leads to climate change. If it always continues, this can result in rising global temperatures, extreme weather, melting polar ice, increasing natural disasters, and reduced agricultural yields due to unpredictable weather.

    Thirdly, burning plastic waste is a major source of air pollution that directly affects for human and animal health. The burning process release various harmful pollutants such as dioxins, furans, and tiny particles that can be inhaled. Exposure to these pollutants can cause respiratory irritation, cardiovascular problems, and even an increased risk of cancer. Additionally, animals exposed to air pollution also suffer similar negative effects, threatening ecosystem balance and biodiversity. 

    Based on the statement above, plastic waste causes many negative effects and has become a real threat to the environment, ecosystems, the food chain of marine life, and the health of humans and animals. This is a serious concern, and we need wise solutions to solve this problem so that plastic waste does not create issues in the short or long term.