Encourage Local Government Participation to Make the Free Nutritious Meal Program a Success

By: Rivka Mayangsari

In an effort to accelerate the realization of national strategic policies, the central government continues to encourage the active involvement of local governments in making the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) a success. This program is designed to improve the nutritional quality of the community, especially children and vulnerable groups, and support regional economic growth through optimization of the local supply chain.

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka emphasized that the success of the government’s program requires strong collaboration between the center and regions. This synergy is important so that the policies designed by President Prabowo can be implemented optimally at the regional level. Regarding the implementation of the MBG Program, Gibran asked the regional government to provide full support. He also highlighted the importance of ensuring the availability of food supplies and adequate distribution infrastructure.
Gibran emphasized that the success of the MBG Program is highly dependent on the readiness of local governments in providing sufficient food supplies and ensuring that the distribution system runs smoothly. He believes that synergy between the center and regions will make this program more effective and on target.
The regional government has a strategic role in the implementation of this program. Acting Director General of Regional Financial Development (Keuda) of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Horas Maurits Panjaitan, emphasized that the quality of regional financial management actors is the main pillar in supporting national policies such as MBG. According to him, optimization of regional budgets and careful planning will ensure that this program runs sustainably.
Horas stated that the MBG Program not only has an impact on improving community welfare, but can also be an opportunity for regions to increase revenue. He added that with transparent and accountable financial management, regional governments can allocate funds appropriately to support this initiative.
In addition to the financial aspect, the success of MBG is also determined by the readiness of infrastructure and supporting ecosystems. The Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Dadan Hindayana, said that his party emphasized the strategic role of regional governments in making this program a success. He explained that there are three main steps that must be taken by regional governments, namely preparing infrastructure, fostering local supply chains, and increasing regional productivity.
Dadan explained that regional governments are expected to play an active role in three main aspects. First, ensuring that supporting infrastructure is available, such as public kitchens in schools and food distribution centers. Second, fostering a local supply chain so that the food ingredients used come from the region itself, thus providing economic benefits for farmers and local business actors. Third, increasing regional productivity so that the sustainability of this program is maintained in the long term.
The central government is also committed to providing support in the form of regulations and incentives for regions that have successfully implemented this program. The Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri) together with the Ministry of Finance are currently reviewing the mechanism for allocating additional funds for regions that are able to develop a nutritious food distribution system that is efficient and has a broad impact.
In addition, the involvement of the private sector is also key to the success of this program. By collaborating with food producers, cooperatives, and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the distribution of nutritious food can be carried out faster and reach more beneficiaries. Local governments are encouraged to establish strategic partnerships to strengthen the local food ecosystem.
In its implementation, various regions have shown a strong commitment to supporting this program. A number of local governments have begun building food processing facilities in schools, working with local farmers, and developing digital technology to monitor food distribution in real time. These efforts are expected to be an example for other regions in adopting best practices in implementing MBG.
With solid collaboration between the central and regional governments and various stakeholders, the MBG Program is expected to have a real impact in improving the quality of community nutrition, reducing stunting rates, and encouraging regional economic growth. The success of this program will reflect the effectiveness of synergy between the central and regional governments in realizing sustainable community welfare.

By: Rivka Mayangsari

In an effort to accelerate the realization of national strategic policies, the central government continues to encourage the active involvement of regional governments in making the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) a success. This program is designed to improve the nutritional quality of the community, especially children and vulnerable groups, and support regional economic growth through optimization of the local supply chain.

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka emphasized that the success of the government’s program requires strong collaboration between the center and regions. This synergy is important so that the policies designed by President Prabowo can be implemented optimally at the regional level. Regarding the implementation of the MBG Program, Gibran asked the regional government to provide full support. He also highlighted the importance of ensuring the availability of food supplies and adequate distribution infrastructure.
Gibran emphasized that the success of the MBG Program is highly dependent on the readiness of regional governments in providing sufficient food supplies and ensuring that the distribution system runs smoothly. He believes that synergy between the center and regions will make this program more effective and on target.
Regional governments have a strategic role in implementing this program. Acting Director General of Regional Financial Development (Keuda) of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Horas Maurits Panjaitan, emphasized that the quality of regional financial management actors is the main pillar in supporting national policies such as MBG. According to him, optimization of regional budgets and careful planning will ensure that this program runs sustainably.
Horas stated that the MBG Program not only has an impact on improving community welfare, but can also be an opportunity for regions to increase revenue. He added that with transparent and accountable financial management, regional governments can allocate funds appropriately to support this initiative.
In addition to the financial aspect, the success of MBG is also determined by the readiness of infrastructure and supporting ecosystems. The Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Dadan Hindayana, said that his party emphasized the strategic role of regional governments in making this program a success. He explained that there are three main steps that must be taken by regional governments, namely preparing infrastructure, fostering local supply chains, and increasing regional productivity.
Dadan explained that regional governments are expected to play an active role in three main aspects. First, ensuring that supporting infrastructure is available, such as public kitchens in schools and food distribution centers. Second, fostering a local supply chain so that the food ingredients used come from the region itself, thus providing economic benefits for farmers and local business actors. Third, increasing regional productivity so that the sustainability of this program is maintained in the long term.
The central government is also committed to providing support in the form of regulations and incentives for regions that have successfully implemented this program. The Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri) together with the Ministry of Finance are currently reviewing the mechanism for allocating additional funds for regions that are able to develop a nutritious food distribution system that is efficient and has a broad impact.
In addition, the involvement of the private sector is also key to the success of this program. By collaborating with food producers, cooperatives, and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the distribution of nutritious food can be carried out faster and reach more beneficiaries. Local governments are encouraged to establish strategic partnerships to strengthen the local food ecosystem.
In its implementation, various regions have shown a strong commitment to supporting this program. A number of local governments have begun building food processing facilities in schools, working with local farmers, and developing digital technology to monitor food distribution in real time. These efforts are expected to be an example for other regions in adopting best practices in implementing MBG.
With solid collaboration between the central and regional governments and various stakeholders, the MBG Program is expected to have a real impact in improving the quality of community nutrition, reducing stunting rates, and encouraging regional economic growth. The success of this program will reflect the effectiveness of synergy between the central and regional governments in realizing sustainable community welfare.