"One of the steps the government must carry out is to urge the MBG meal suppliers, like catering and food businesses, to use local agricultural products," Noor told ANTARA when contacted from here on Monday.
He said that this is aimed at increasing the consumption of domestic food products that are not inferior in terms of quality.
Meanwhile, he added, there is also a need to expand agricultural land to support the Prabowo-Gibran administration's strategic programs, especially those related to the food sector.
He noted that farmland expansion is not just aimed at supporting the MBG program but also meeting domestic food demand so that the country can achieve independence in the food sector or food self-sufficiency.
"This is not only about MBG, but also considers the need to feed as many as 270 million people in the country. Therefore, the goal of achieving food self-sufficiency must be realized within two to three years," he added.
Related news: Ministry to guarantee local foods in Free Meals Program
On Monday, the MBG program was launched simultaneously in several Indonesian regions. With a budget allocation of Rp71 trillion, the program is targeting to cover 19.47 million beneficiaries in 2025, including toddlers, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and school students.
Meanwhile, the priority beneficiaries of the program in January 2025 will be school students, the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) said.
MBG is a top-priority program of the Prabowo-Gibran government. It will provide beneficiaries with nutritious food and milk, including other nutritional fulfillment assistance.
Public kitchens and local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have been roped in for the program.
Related news: Prabowo's free nutritious meal program and its impact on the community
Translator: Sinta A, Kenzu
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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