Cross-Sector Collaboration Key to Successful Acceleration of the Free Nutritional Meal Program
Jakarta — Cross-sector collaboration has been reiterated as a determining factor in the successful acceleration of the Free Nutritional Meal Program (MBG) in various regions. At the Phase II Monitoring and Evaluation Meeting in Pekanbaru, the Regional Secretary of Riau Province, Syahrial Abdi, stated that synergy between all parties is essential to ensure optimal and targeted program implementation.
“This meeting was held as a strategic forum to comprehensively review the results of program implementation and the results of the Phase II Monitoring and Evaluation Survey,” he said.
He added that, based on data as of December 2, 2025, the target number of MBG beneficiaries in Riau reached 2,010,204, with 905,360 people actually receiving the program. Of the 667 SPPG units needed, 420 are operational. Despite the positive trend, Syahrial believes that acceleration still needs to be continued.
“This figure shows good progress, but it still requires collective acceleration to ensure the program’s benefits are optimally received by all targets,” he explained.
Similar support was also expressed by the Head of the Riau Province Statistics Agency (BPS), Asep Riyadi, who outlined the achievements and impact of the MBG program nationally. The MBG program demonstrated a strong multiplier effect on the economy.
“As of October 2025, 12,508 SPPGs were actively operating. A total of 1.41 billion portions of food have been distributed to more than 36 million beneficiaries,” he said.
Meanwhile, at an MBG socialization event held by the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) in Jakarta, Member of Commission IX of the DPR RI, Netty Prasetiyani, emphasized that the MBG is a long-term investment in the quality of the nation’s future generations, not just a food aid program. The Free Nutritious Meal Program must become a joint national movement, not just a government project.
“The participation of the community, educators, local governments, local food MSMEs, and parents all play a major role in ensuring the optimal implementation of this program,” she said.
Netty also emphasized the importance of synergy across all sectors, as without solid coordination, program implementation risks being hampered and not achieving maximum impact.
“Collaboration is key. Without synergy, this program will simply be a technical activity without sustainable impact,” she emphasized.
Through cross-sector collaboration between the central and regional governments, the House of Representatives (DPR), MSMEs, educators, the community, and various other stakeholders, the MBG Program is expected to build a sustainable, healthy food ecosystem, encourage local economic growth, and strengthen the quality of Indonesia’s human resources from an early age.
