By: Dinda Anya)*
The Strengthening Nutrition Culture or MBG program has been implemented with the main objective of encouraging an increase in the economic value of local food products. Through a strategic and structured approach, this program is part of the government’s efforts to strengthen national food security while opening up new opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises in the agriculture and food sectors.
In its implementation, local food products such as tubers, local cereals, nuts, and spices have been encouraged to be used as the main ingredients in various food innovations. This process is not only based on increasing domestic consumption, but is also directed at expanding market access both nationally and internationally. In this way, local products that were previously less well-known are now starting to be utilized more widely in various food industry sectors.
Expert Staff for Regional Development of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, Haryo Limanseto, said the core of the challenges and solutions in the program to fulfill nutrition and equalize food access in Indonesia. He emphasized that cross-sector collaboration is the main key to accelerating the achievement of these targets. This view is very relevant and needs to receive wider attention from all stakeholders.
Nutritional issues, especially those targeting children and vulnerable groups, cannot be handled sectorally and partially. The high rate of stunting, lack of balanced nutritional intake, and the uneven distribution of quality food are multidimensional problems. Therefore, efforts to handle them cannot rely on just one institution or one sector. Synergy is needed between the central and regional governments, the private sector, academics, communities, and the mass media.
Various training and mentoring have been facilitated so that local food business actors are able to produce products that have added value. The packaging process, modern processing, and business management have been supported through cross-sector cooperation. Products that were previously only marketed on a limited basis in the local environment have now succeeded in penetrating the modern retail market, both offline and online. This transformation shows how synergy between government policies and business actors can have a significant positive impact on the community’s economy.
Local food consumption education campaigns have also been carried out in various regions. Through a community-based and educational approach, public understanding of the importance of local food as a source of nutrition and economy has increased. This step is considered effective in changing the consumption patterns of people who previously relied more on imported products.
Chairman of the Indonesian Morning Sun Advisory Council, Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, said that his support for the nutrition fulfillment program through a school-based approach shows the increasingly strong synergy between civil society and the direction of national policy. This step not only supports the Strengthening Nutrition Culture (MBG) program initiated by the government, but also amplifies the commitment to improving the nutritional quality of children in schools, especially those who have not been directly touched by government programs.
When a community organization like Matahari Pagi Indonesia takes part in strengthening the national program, it shows that the issue of fulfilling nutrition has begun to be considered a shared responsibility, not just the government’s task. Moreover, the approach used is measurable, with quality control at several points during a certain period. This reflects the seriousness and good intentions to become an active partner in sustainable nutritional development.
Support for the local agricultural sector has also been strengthened through partnerships with cooperatives, farmer groups, and MSMEs. The harvests from local farmers have been used as the main raw material in products promoted by the MBG Program. This approach also provides market guarantees for farmers, so that production sustainability can be maintained more stably.
Various incentive policies such as simplifying business permits, technical assistance, and access to micro-business financing have been involved in this program. All parties involved are directed to strengthen the local food supply chain so that they can compete healthily and sustainably. The focus on local food is seen not only as an economic solution, but also as a form of preserving the nation’s culture and national culinary identity.
The statement by the Head of the National Food Agency (Bapanas), Arief Prasetyo, regarding the strengthening of the consumption of Diverse, Balanced Nutritional, and Safe (B2SA) food as the basis for implementing the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program shows that the approach to the national nutrition program is now directed to be more holistic and sustainable. This idea is very appropriate and deserves full support because it answers children’s nutritional needs comprehensively, not just providing food, but also educating about the correct consumption patterns.
In the context of human resource development, the implementation of the B2SA principle is a crucial step. This is because many nutritional interventions fail to have a long-term impact because they are only oriented towards quantity, not quality and diversity. Through the B2SA approach, children not only receive food, but are also introduced to the concept of correct nutrition, such as the importance of food variety, protein intake, complex carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, and food safety.
The government continues to demonstrate its commitment to encouraging increased added value of local food products. The MBG program is one of the real proofs that a strategy that favors natural resources and local wisdom can strengthen national economic resilience. The success of this program is expected to be the first step in expanding export opportunities for Indonesian food products in the global market and making local food the host in its own country.
)* Food and Nutrition Policy Analyst
