MBG 3T Program Seen as Opening Market Access for Local Farmers and Ranchers

Indonesia's 'Free Nutritious Meals' (MBG) program in underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost (3T) regions has the potential to open new markets for local farmers and ranchers. The demand for food supplies for the MBG kitchens is seen as a catalyst for increased production and economic activity at the village level.

Bobi Lianto, Chairman of the East Nusa Tenggara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin NTT), stated that the presence of MBG kitchens in villages could motivate farmers to enhance their production to meet regular food demands. "The existence of MBG 3T in the villages will also encourage our farmers in the regions, automatically they will work to prepare that," Lianto said.

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The existence of MBG 3T in the villages will also encourage our farmers in the regions, automatically they will work to prepare that.

He added that the consistent need for raw materials could create opportunities for local farmers and ranchers to join the MBG supply chain. Sourcing from surrounding areas is considered more efficient, especially for regions facing transportation and infrastructure limitations. "In terms of calculation, it is certainly appropriate, especially in remote areas that are difficult to reach, it is automatically better if the supply comes from the village itself," he noted.

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In terms of calculation, it is certainly appropriate, especially in remote areas that are difficult to reach, it is automatically better if the supply comes from the village itself.

Strengthening local supply chains is also being promoted through Village Red and White Cooperatives (KDKMP). I Gusti Ketut Astawa, Deputy for Food Availability and Stabilization at the National Food Agency (Bapanas), explained that the production of farmers and ranchers can be consolidated through cooperatives to more easily meet the regular supply needs for the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG).

Astawa mentioned that absorbing local production through MBG could provide market certainty for local farmers and ranchers while helping to stabilize commodity prices. The government also encourages the use of local food commodities for MBG, particularly in 3T areas. "The second, which is no less important, is the utilization of local food. Don't forget, we also have local food consumption. If a 3T area has a lot of fish, well, use fish. Utilize the fish there. Don't forget local food," he said.

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The second, which is no less important, is the utilization of local food. Don't forget, we also have local food consumption. If a 3T area has a lot of fish, well, use fish. Utilize the fish there. Don't forget local food.