Free Nutritious Meals, Improve Nutrition and Community Economy
Jakarta – The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program is not just an initiative to fulfill nutrition for the community, but also a driver of local economic growth.
Member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Ranny Fahd A Rafiq, emphasized that this program is in line with the vision of Indonesia Emas 2045 which aims to create a superior generation.
“We must support the Free Nutritious Meals program as a strategic step in realizing Indonesia’s golden generation. With sufficient nutrition, our children can grow up smart, healthy, and ready to compete at the global level,” said Ranny.
In addition to ensuring the fulfillment of nutrition for the community, MBG also strengthens the regional economy through partnerships with local farmers, ranchers, and fishermen. The raw materials for food in this program are obtained directly from local producers, creating a sustainable supply chain.
Not only that, the kitchens providing food in this program also involve workers from the surrounding community, opening up new job opportunities, and increasing economic turnover in the region.
“This program is not only about free food, but also contributes to empowering the local economy. With the involvement of local farmers, ranchers, and workers, we create a more inclusive economic system,” added Ranny.
Meanwhile, Expert Staff for Systems and Governance of the National Nutrition Agency or BGN, Niken Gandini, said that MBG was designed to provide a long-term impact on Indonesia’s food independence.
“The vision of MBG is to utilize the country’s defense and security system and encourage national independence through food self-sufficiency, then MBG will communicate with digital, cultural, and environmental companies and collaborate in sustainable nutrition improvement programs,” said Niken.
She also highlighted that nutritional problems in Indonesia, such as stunting and an unbalanced diet, must be addressed immediately with comprehensive solutions.
“Therefore, in this MBG program, we introduce a complete nutritional composition, there are carbohydrates, protein, and vegetables and fruits, so that it can help improve good nutrition for the Indonesian people,” she concluded.
