Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry is seeking cross-sector synergy through the Red and White Village Cooperatives (KDMP) program, proposing that village cooperatives supply fish to kitchens serving the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program.
Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono said village cooperatives could add value to fisheries production by processing catfish and tilapia into products that meet market demand as well as food safety and quality standards.
“If successful, this approach will make offtakers, including MBG kitchens, more interested in procuring such products,” he said in a press release cited here on Saturday.
To support the initiative, Trenggono added, the ministry has established biofloc-based freshwater fish farming facilities at 100 KDMP locations across Java.
He also highlighted a ministry-facilitated business matching forum that sought to connect fish farmers with MBG kitchens and other potential buyers, including hotels, restaurants, catering providers, and retailers.
The forum resulted in 15 letters of intent and two cooperation agreements for the supply of ready-to-cook catfish between village cooperatives and MBG kitchens in Kudus and Rembang, Central Java.
Erwin Dwiyana, a senior official overseeing fisheries product competitiveness, said the ministry views MBG kitchens and catering businesses as promising markets for processed fish products.
He noted that 180 MBG kitchens in Semarang City could require up to 36 tons of fish for a single meal service, with each kitchen estimated to absorb around 200 kilograms.
Assuming a selling price of Rp25,000 per kilogram for ready-to-cook catfish, he added, the MBG program could generate Rp900 million (over US$50,000) in demand for the fisheries sector per service.
He added that the approach aligns with a 2026 presidential regulation on the National Movement to Promote Fish Consumption, noting that the ministry views the initiative as an effective way to encourage the inclusion of fish-based dishes in MBG menus.
Related news: BGN reviews MBG kitchen incentives to ensure fund efficiency
Related news: Indonesia launches 13 new free meals kitchens in Papua Province
Related news: MBG to serve fish menu twice a week: Ministry
Translator: Shofi Ayudiana, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2026