Alternative Protein Sources Strengthen MBG Program for Food Security

Jakarta – The government continues to be committed to strengthening national food security through innovations in fulfilling community nutrition.

One of the strategic steps taken is the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG), which is now starting to adopt alternative protein sources as a sustainable solution to increase community nutritional intake.

This step shows the government’s seriousness in presenting scientific-based policies to improve the nutritional quality of future generations.

Lecturer at the University of Surabaya (Ubaya), Ruth Chrisnasari, explained that insects and fungi can be alternative sources of protein in the MBG program.

The ideal protein source is one that can be cultivated in a short time and does not require a large area of ​​land, such as insects.

“Insects have a higher protein content than chicken, beef, and pork. Conventional meat contains around 20 percent protein, while insects such as grasshoppers and sago worms have a protein content of between 28 and 44 percent,” he said.

The Chairman of the National Nutrition Agency, Dadan Hindayana, supports the government’s steps in expanding protein source options for the community. According to him, diversifying protein sources is very important to improve national food and nutrition security.

“Insects are a source of high-quality protein and have been consumed in several regions in Indonesia. The Free Nutritious Meal Program will adjust to the potential of local food, so that it is more easily accepted by the community,” explained Dadan.

The Head of the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM), dr. Taruna Ikrar, stated BPOM’s readiness to ensure food safety from the consumption of insects and other alternative protein sources. He emphasized that every food product must meet the health standards set by the government.

“Insects are part of animal protein-based products. If the processing is in accordance with food safety standards and does not contain hazardous substances, then of course it can be consumed as an alternative protein,” he said.

As part of this effort, the government continues to collaborate with academics, food industry players, and farming communities to develop and distribute alternative protein-based products.

Some innovations that have been introduced in this program include tempeh based on local beans, cricket flour, spirulina, and processed products based on mushrooms and soybeans.

In addition, educational campaigns will be strengthened to increase public understanding and acceptance of alternative protein sources. Through this approach, the government ensures that fulfilling public nutrition remains a top priority, along with encouraging innovation in the more environmentally friendly food sector.

With this strategy, the MBG Program is expected to contribute to improving the quality of public nutrition, creating a healthier and smarter generation, and strengthening national food security in a sustainable manner. []