"If certain regions have a tradition of consuming insects, they can be included in the menu for those specific areas," he explained during a meeting on the sidelines of the Rampinas PIRA event in Jakarta on Saturday.
He emphasized that the agency has not laid down a single national menu but instead established national nutritional composition standards. This approach allows for menu variations depending on available local resources.
Insects are a significant protein source in several regions. He further highlighted the diverse protein sources available across the country, such as eggs in some areas and fish in others.
Consuming insects is a well-established practice in several parts of Indonesia and is deeply rooted in cultural and historical traditions. For instance, Gunungkidul district in Yogyakarta is known for its tradition of consuming fried grasshoppers.
In eastern Indonesia, sago worms, the larvae of the red coconut beetle, are a popular delicacy in Papua. They are often consumed raw or grilled.
Hindayana also acknowledged the possibility of introducing menu variations to meet carbohydrate needs. In regions where corn, cassava, or boiled bananas are staples, these could potentially replace rice in the MBG menu.
"This exemplifies how the MBG program can accommodate food diversity while ensuring nutritional adequacy," he explained.
The MBG program has currently been implemented across all 31 provinces of Indonesia, with 238 nutrition fulfillment service units (SPPG) involved in food production for the program.
In the first phase, from January to April 2025, the program aims to reach 3 million beneficiaries. The number is expected to increase to 6 million in the subsequent phase, from April to August.
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Reporter: Putu Indah Savitri, Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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