The legislator made the statement at a DPR plenary session at the Parliamentary Complex, Jakarta, on Thursday.
Slamet noted that with this step, the Free Nutritious Meals program will not only improve the nutrition of children in the country but will also be able to drive the economy, especially in rural areas.
"In addition to improving people's nutrition, this program can bolster the rural economy and make our businesses sustainable," he remarked.
Furthermore, Slamet reminded the government to ensure that the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals program will offer benefits to local farmers and fishers.
The Free Nutritious Meals program is one of the work programs of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka for their 2024–2029 tenure.
The National Nutrition Agency has determined cooperatives and village-owned enterprises (BUMDes) as the parties supplying food for the free meals program.
According to government estimates, each kitchen producing food for the Free Nutritious Meals Program will spend around Rp35 million (around US$2,208) to Rp40 million (around US$2,523) daily.
The Ministry of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions is encouraging BUMDes, especially those in the food sector, to utilize the opportunity offered through the program.
The ministry is also committed to accelerating the registration process for BUMDes products and services to the e-catalog of the National Public Procurement Agency (LKPP).
This step aims to support BUMDes to become foodstuff suppliers for the Free Nutritious Meals program.
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Translator: Tri Meilani, Raka Adji
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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