Indonesia's Cooperatives to Support National Nutrition Program

Ministry of Cooperatives Optimizes Cooperatives for SPPG

The Indonesian Ministry of Cooperatives (Kemenkop) has announced plans to optimize cooperatives to supply raw materials for the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) as part of the government's Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG). This strategic move aims to leverage the existing infrastructure and networks of cooperatives to support the successful implementation of the MBG program.

Existing Cooperative Networks to be Utilized

Minister of Cooperatives, Ferry Juliantono, highlighted that cooperatives are well-positioned to support the SPPG due to their established production and distribution networks. 'Cooperatives are the main foundation that already have production and distribution networks that can be directly connected to SPPG,' Juliantono explained during a Limited Coordination Meeting at the Coordinating Ministry for Food Affairs in Jakarta.

Accelerating Raw Material Supply

The decision to involve cooperatives comes as the government plans to expand the number of SPPG units, necessitating a significant increase in the supply of raw materials. Juliantono emphasized that the ministry will accelerate the supply of materials to meet the growing demands of the program's kitchens. 'Because there is an addition to the number of SPPG, we will accelerate the supply of materials or goods (raw materials) for SPPG or the kitchens that are being and will be built,' he stated.

Significance of Cooperatives in MBG Program

The involvement of cooperatives in the MBG program through SPPG is seen as a strategic move to ensure the program's success. By utilizing the existing networks of cooperatives, the government aims to create a more efficient and sustainable supply chain for the program. This approach not only supports the nutritional needs of the target beneficiaries but also provides economic opportunities for cooperatives and their members.