Free Nutritious Meal Program Spurs Food Supply Preparation Outside Java

The Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program in Indonesia is creating a large-scale food market, according to Sudaryono, Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN). He stated that the program's significant demand for eggs, chicken, milk, and agricultural commodities necessitates increased production to avoid shortages. Sudaryono described the MBG program's consumption as "like Pac-Man," highlighting the substantial need. To meet this, the Ministry of Agriculture has anticipated a surge in consumption, particularly outside Java Island, and is focusing on enhancing food production capacity in these regions. Investment in the livestock sector is planned to bridge potential deficits in egg and chicken meat supply. This initiative involves Danantara Indonesia and the Directorate General of Livestock and Animal Health under the Ministry of Agriculture. Sudaryono emphasized that the program's sustainability hinges on regional food production capabilities, noting the close collaboration between the BGN and the Ministry of Agriculture since the MBG's inception. He also pointed out that the increased demand from MBG kitchens offers a new market for farmers and livestock breeders, contrasting it with past incidents where farmers discarded produce due to lack of market absorption. Issues arising in the supply chain will be jointly addressed with relevant ministries and institutions. The government's priority is to find solutions that ensure the MBG program's needs are met and farmers' produce is absorbed by the market.