Government Encourages Regional Participation to Ensure the Success of the Free Nutritious Meal Program
By: Rivka Mayangsari
In an effort to accelerate the implementation of national strategic policies, the central government continues to encourage active participation from regional governments in the success of the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG). This program is designed to improve the nutritional quality of the population, especially children and vulnerable groups, while also supporting regional economic growth through the optimization of local supply chains.
Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka emphasized that the success of government programs requires strong collaboration between the central and regional governments. This synergy is crucial to ensure that President Prabowo’s policies are optimally implemented at the regional level. Regarding the implementation of the MBG Program, Gibran urged regional governments to provide full support. He also highlighted the importance of ensuring the availability of food supplies and adequate distribution infrastructure.
Gibran stressed that the success of the MBG Program largely depends on the readiness of regional governments in providing sufficient food supplies and ensuring a smooth distribution system. He believes that strong cooperation between the central and regional governments will make this program more effective and well-targeted.
Regional governments play a strategic role in implementing this program. Acting Director General of Regional Financial Development (Keuda) at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Horas Maurits Panjaitan, emphasized that the quality of regional financial management is a key factor in supporting national policies such as MBG. According to him, optimal regional budgeting and careful planning will ensure the sustainability of this program.
Horas stated that the MBG Program not only improves public welfare but also creates opportunities for regions to increase their revenues. He added that with transparent and accountable financial management, regional governments can allocate funds effectively to support this initiative.
Apart from financial aspects, the success of the MBG Program is also determined by infrastructure readiness and a supportive ecosystem. Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Dadan Hindayana, highlighted the strategic role of regional governments in ensuring the success of this program. He explained that there are three main steps that regional governments must take: preparing infrastructure, developing local supply chains, and enhancing regional productivity.
Dadan elaborated that regional governments are expected to actively contribute in three key areas. First, ensuring the availability of necessary infrastructure, such as community kitchens in schools and food distribution centers. Second, strengthening local supply chains so that the food used comes from within the region, benefiting local farmers and businesses. Third, boosting regional productivity to ensure the long-term sustainability of the program.
The central government is also committed to providing support in the form of regulations and incentives for regions that successfully implement this program. The Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Finance are currently reviewing the mechanism for allocating additional funds to regions that can efficiently develop nutritious food distribution systems with widespread impact.
Moreover, involving the private sector is also crucial to the success of this program. By partnering with food producers, cooperatives, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the distribution of nutritious meals can be expedited and reach more beneficiaries. Regional governments are encouraged to establish strategic partnerships to strengthen the local food ecosystem.
In practice, various regions have already demonstrated strong commitment to supporting this program. Several regional governments have started building food processing facilities in schools, collaborating with local farmers, and developing digital technologies to monitor food distribution in real time. These efforts are expected to serve as models for other regions in adopting best practices for MBG implementation.
With solid collaboration between the central government, regional governments, and various stakeholders, the MBG Program is expected to have a tangible impact on improving public nutrition, reducing stunting rates, and promoting regional economic growth. The success of this program will reflect the effectiveness of synergy between the central and regional governments in ensuring sustainable public welfare.
Beyond direct benefits to society, the MBG Program is also expected to enhance national food security. By involving more local farmers in the supply chain, this program will boost national agricultural production and reduce dependence on food imports. This policy not only supports small farmers but also strengthens regional economic resilience through more equitable distribution.
Furthermore, the success of this program will serve as concrete evidence of the government’s commitment to improving the quality of Indonesia’s human resources. With better nutrition, the younger generation is expected to grow healthier and smarter, enabling them to compete at a global level. This program is not just about meeting food needs but also represents a long-term investment in the nation’s future.
Additionally, this program has the potential to improve the welfare of workers in the agricultural and culinary sectors. With increased demand for quality food supplies, more job opportunities will be created for farmers, suppliers, and workers involved in the production and distribution of nutritious meals. Therefore, the MBG Program not only impacts public health but also contributes to comprehensive national economic growth.
