Indonesia to Deliver Nutritious Meals to Conflict-Prone Regions

Indonesia's National Nutrition Agency (BGN) is exploring the possibility of distributing free nutritious meals to children in conflict-prone regions. BGN Head Sudaryono stated that a special mechanism is being prepared to ensure these children maintain access to the nutrition program.

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MBG or nutritious meals for children in conflict-prone areas. We are also thinking about the mechanism for this.

Sudaryono mentioned that pilot projects have already been conducted in collaboration with the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the National Police (Polri). These trials have utilized public facilities, including churches, as distribution points for the meals. "For example, MBG or nutritious meals for children in conflict-prone areas. We are also thinking about the mechanism for this," Sudaryono said during a press conference in Jakarta on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.

The initiative aims to guarantee that all Indonesian children, regardless of whether they live in conflict zones or remote areas, receive their right to adequate nutrition. "There have been several pilotings that we have carried out in cooperation with the TNI and Polri, using church facilities and others, because children throughout Indonesia, especially in conflict-prone and remote areas, must also have access to improved nutrition," he added.

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There have been several pilotings that we have carried out in cooperation with the TNI and Polri, using church facilities and others, because children throughout Indonesia, especially in conflict-prone and remote areas, must also have access to improved nutrition.

In addition to planning for conflict areas, BGN is enhancing its menu development for the nutritious meals through collaboration with the Ministry of Health. The agency plans to gather input from nutritionists, pediatricians, and other experts before August 5. This feedback will inform the formulation of menus, nutritional content, and strategies for addressing regions with high stunting prevalence. Sudaryono acknowledged that distribution in Papua and other eastern Indonesian regions remains a government concern, with plans to improve services in critical areas.

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We want to hear more input from nutrition experts regarding stunting, menus, nutritional content, including the most appropriate methods in areas with very high stunting rates.