Govt Pushes Local Food Supply Through MBG and Village Cooperatives

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, Zulkifli Hasan, has called for stronger integration between Indonesia's Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program and the Merah Putih Village/Subdistrict Cooperatives to expand the use of locally produced food. The initiative is expected to strengthen rural economies while supporting the government's broader food security agenda.

The policy was announced in an official statement received in Jakarta on Monday July 13, 2026. He also said the MBG Program currently involves around 148,000 suppliers, including village-owned enterprises (BUMDes), Merah Putih Village/Subdistrict Cooperatives, farmer groups, livestock farmer groups, and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

He emphasized that the government wants locally produced food to become the primary source of raw materials for the MBG Program. According to him, this approach will allow farmers, livestock breeders, and small businesses to benefit directly from the nationwide nutrition initiative.

"The government is encouraging locally produced food to be absorbed by the MBG Program and the Merah Putih Village/Subdistrict Cooperatives so that the benefits can be felt directly by business actors," Zulkifli said.

He added that closer cooperation between the MBG Program and village cooperatives would strengthen Indonesia's national food supply chain. He noted that the partnership would also create a more sustainable market for locally produced agricultural commodities.

Beyond supporting local producers, the government views the initiative as part of its long-term strategy to achieve food self-sufficiency while promoting inclusive rural development. The Minister stressed that stronger food security must go hand in hand with environmental conservation to ensure the sustainability of national food production.

Meanwhile, Indonesia's National Nutrition Agency (BGN) reported that the MBG Program has also become a driver of regional economic growth by increasing demand for locally produced agricultural, livestock, and fisheries products. The procurement model has helped expand economic activity in rural communities by strengthening local supply chains.

The government expects the expanded collaboration between the MBG Program, village cooperatives, and local producers to improve food distribution while creating more economic opportunities across Indonesia. The initiative also reflects the country's effort to build a resilient food system that supports both community welfare and sustainable rural development.