Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesian government decided to intensify implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children under five years old, as well as residents in outermost, frontier, and least developed (3T) regions.
“MBG must first reach those who need it most. To this end, we are refocusing targeted recipients while strengthening management to ensure maximum benefits from the state funds,” Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan said in a statement here on Friday.
The decision followed a coordination meeting involving senior officials in Jakarta on Thursday (August 6). Hasan, who attended the discussion, highlighted that around 11.15 million of eligible pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers have not yet received the benefit of the programme.
Related news: Indonesia’s MBG 3B program reaches 9.6 million beneficiaries
He emphasised the government’s determination to prioritise improving nutritional intake for the group, as a strategic effort to curb childhood stunting and lay the foundation for developing high-quality human resources from an early age.
Hasan also highlighted the ongoing efforts to accelerate operational preparations for 352 MBG kitchens in 3T regions across eight provinces with high stunting prevalence.
“Our current priority is activating MBG kitchens in the 3T regions. Data collection is nearly complete and targeted to conclude this week, including facilities in Papua, East Nusa Tenggara, and Maluku,” he said.
Related news: 1,700 MBG kitchens ready in high-stunting areas: BGN
Also speaking after the meeting, National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Head Sudaryono confirmed his team is pivoting toward expanding MBG coverage in 3T regions through accelerated development and operational preparations of kitchens.
“We are prioritising Papua, East Nusa Tenggara, Nias, Maluku, North Maluku, and remote regions, because their residents are in great need of MBG,” Sudaryono said.
Meanwhile, Minister of Population and Family Development Wihaji, speaking in Bangka Belitung on the same day, reported that the MBG programme had so far reached 9.6 million beneficiaries of pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers.
Sudaryono urged further expansion, calling on all MBG kitchens nationwide, to begin allocating resources to serve the group in support of Indonesia’s efforts to reduce stunting.
Related news: Indonesia permits large pesantrens run their own MBG kitchens
Related news: Red White Coops and free meal create circular economy: Minister
Translator: M. Harianto, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Fransiska Ninditya
Copyright © ANTARA 2026