TNC IPB University Supports MBG Program and Farmers’ Economic Well-being
Tani dan Nelayan Center (TNC) IPB University held Webinar Series #TNCTalksE08 titled “Nutritious Meal Program and Farmers Economic Empowerment.”
Prof Hermanu Triwidodo, Chairman of TNC IPB University, stated that this webinar was organized as a platform for discussion on the MBG program, which must go hand in hand with farmers’ economic empowerment.
“This program not only aims to improve public access to free nutritious meals but also to promote farmers’ welfare by strengthening the production and distribution of quality agricultural products,” said Prof Hermanu.
Furthermore, Prof Hermanu also stated that the MBG program is not merely about providing free meals but also about fostering togetherness and responsibility among students.
In his presentation, Dr Dadan Hindayana, Chairman of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), emphasized that MBG is a strategic step toward Indonesia Emas (Golden Indonesia), aiming to produce a high-quality generation that is competitive at the global level.
However, he also noted that this program requires a large budget, with 95 percent of its raw materials sourced from agricultural commodities. Therefore, around 80 percent of the allocated budget for MBG should be used to purchase food raw materials from local farmers.
Additionally, Dr Dadan explained that his agency also plans to accelerate the establishment of Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) across Indonesia, targeting 30.000 units by the end of 2025.
“The One Village, One Red and White Village Cooperative program will also be launched to coordinate local agricultural businesses to sustainably meet MBG needs,” said Dr Dadan.
Dr Nicolaus Noywuli, Rector of Flores Bajawa Agricultural College, discussed the implementation of MBG in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) during his presentation.
“Currently, the program only targets school students in the capital, served by 17 SPPGs, with a total of 5.,340 beneficiaries, or about 4 percent of the total target,” said Dr Nicolaus Noywuli.
“However, this program faces challenges regarding raw material availability as well as some complaints from students and parents about food presentation. Therefore, periodic evaluations are crucial to ensuring the program’s sustainability and the involvement of local farmers as key partners,” he added.
Suparjiem, a farmer from Yogyakarta, expressed his strong support for the MBG program, seeing it as an opportunity for farmers to become food suppliers.
However, he highlighted the need for system improvements at the consumer and distribution levels through continuous evaluation. In addition, farmers should receive guidance from agricultural extension workers or relevant authorities to ensure optimal participation.
“There needs to be regulatory improvements so that farmers can truly benefit, rather than just being spectators. I hope this program involves village-level farmer groups in both short- and long-term planting cycles,” said Suparjiem.
Agree with Suparjiem, Maria Mone Soge, a young farmer from NTT, sees MBG as a strategic government initiative to address nutrition issues while boosting the local economy. Some areas in NTT have even integrated digital technology to map community needs, manage logistics, and connect local farmers with program organizers.
However, she also pointed out that MBG implementation still faces major challenges, especially in food diversification.“In NTT, we have a highly diverse food potential. We shouldn’t focus only on a single type of food, such as rice. Local crops like sorghum and corn can also serve as alternative carbohydrate sources, along with other protein sources,” said Maria.
Therefore, Maria emphasized the importance of cultivating organic and diverse local food. She hopes that young people can be more actively involved in this program, not only as food suppliers but also as key players in the local food system. (IAAS/HPH)
