The government has ensured that the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program runs without dependence on imported equipment or raw materials, as part of its commitment to using domestic products. This affirmation is a response to the push for all national program needs to be fully supplied by local producers, in line with efforts to strengthen the national economic chain.
Deputy Chairperson of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, stated that her agency has implemented a zero-import policy since the MBG program began operating in January 2025. “We don’t use imported raw materials or imported equipment,” Nanik said.
According to Nanik, all equipment needed for MBG operations is now met by dozens of factories that the government has prepared. She detailed that there are around 36 factories spread across various regions that specifically produce MBG supporting equipment.
“The raw materials are also used domestically,” she said, ensuring that the production process is running entirely with local sources.
Responding to questions about the existence of ompreng or food trays that were previously rumored to originate from abroad, Nanik explained that the products had already entered Indonesia before the MBG program began. She emphasized that the food tray imports from China were not intended specifically for MBG.
“Food trays are not only imported into Indonesia for MBG. Civil service schools also use them,” she said.
However, Nanik confirmed that domestic factories are now producing ompreng for the program’s needs. She considered this a form of adjustment so that all equipment used can meet government-set standards.
The encouragement of the use of local products was also previously conveyed by Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar during his inspection in Rancabali, Bandung Regency, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. He emphasized the importance of implementing the principle of production independence in the program.
“As the BGN supervisor, I request that no goods be imported, neither food ingredients nor MBG kitchen equipment,” Muhaimin said.
Muhaimin, who also serves as Deputy Chair II of the MBG Coordination Team, stated that in the second phase of the program next year, the government will ensure that all MBG kitchen needs are met by local MSMEs and cooperatives. He believes this step can strengthen the people’s economic ecosystem.
“Once it is stable, we will hand over all materials completely to people’s economic actors,” he said.
With the certainty that imported products will not be used in the MBG, the government hopes that the program will be implemented more efficiently, strengthen local industry, and provide greater benefits to the wider community.