Indonesia Ministry, Nutrition Agency Boost Cooperation for Free Meal Program

Indonesia's Ministry of Interior (Kemendagri) is enhancing its partnership with the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) to bolster the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) across the country. This collaboration was solidified through a special coordination meeting involving Kemendagri, BGN, and regional governments, conducted in a hybrid format in Jakarta.

Minister of Interior Muhammad Tito Karnavian emphasized that regional leaders have specific performance indicators to meet, including reducing stunting, extreme poverty, and improving the Human Development Index (IPM). He highlighted that the MBG program directly supports these goals by providing free meals funded by the state budget, without burdening regional budgets.

Karnavian urged regional heads to leverage the program to address community challenges, noting that successful implementation would positively impact their performance. He also pointed out the program's potential to stimulate local economies by creating jobs and increasing production in the food sector. The initiative is expected to energize the supply chain for producers, farmers, fishermen, and livestock breeders.

Furthermore, the program is anticipated to aid in controlling regional inflation. Karnavian explained that BGN can intervene by purchasing local food supplies when prices are low, benefiting regional economies. He encouraged regional governments to support MBG, which is mandated by Presidential Regulation No. 115 of 2025. The commitment was formalized with a cooperation agreement signed between Kemendagri's Director General of Population and Civil Registration and BGN's Principal Secretary.