Indonesia's Free Nutrition Program Shifts to Locally Sourced Food

Emphasis on Local Production and UMKM Involvement

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has issued a directive that food used in the Free Nutrition Program (MBG) must be locally produced and not factory-made. This move aims to boost the involvement of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (UMKM) and local communities in the program. According to BGN Deputy Head, Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, this requirement is backed by Presidential Regulation No. 115/2025, specifically Article 38, Paragraph 1.

Regulatory Support and Implementation

The regulation mandates that the implementation of the MBG program should prioritize domestic products and encourage the participation of local businesses, including UMKM, individual enterprises, cooperatives, and village-owned enterprises (BUMDes). Nanik emphasized that the program should avoid using processed foods from large companies, instead focusing on food produced by local communities and UMKM.

Impact on Local Economy and Nutrition Program

This initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy by supporting UMKM and promoting local food production. It also aligns with the broader goal of improving nutrition through the MBG program by ensuring that the food provided is fresh and locally relevant.