Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Armanatha Nasir underlined that the government's Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program contributes to the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs) in Indonesia.

Nasir conveyed this to the UN Resident Coordinator in Indonesia, Gita Sabharwal, during a meeting in Jakarta on Thursday.

He also expressed hope that UN programs carried out in Indonesia would help the country meet national priorities, including the MBG program.

Nasir noted that the results of research published by the World Food Programme in 2017 stated that the nutritious meals program for school students helps support the achievement of SDG2 on hunger elimination, SDG4 on access to quality education, and SDG5 on girls' participation in education.

He further explained that the program also indirectly supports SDG1 on poverty alleviation, SDG8 on job creation and economic growth, and SDG10 on efforts to bridge social gaps.

Thus, he said, the MBG program run by the government under President Prabowo Subianto's leadership reflects Indonesia's role in supporting the global development agenda.

The deputy minister also expressed hope for UN support in funding development in Indonesia, including leveraging the Islamic financial system through zakat (alms) empowerment to support global development, especially in countries affected by crises.

On the same occasion, the UN Resident Coordinator in Indonesia conveyed the plan to develop UN programs that are more aligned with the needs of each province to support the development and achievement of SDGs in Indonesia.

Nasir and Sabharwal also discussed the developments of the global situation and the strengthening of multilateral systems.

"We must use the UN's 80th anniversary this year to encourage strengthening multilateralism and respect for international law," the deputy minister remarked.

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Translator: Nabil Ihsan, Raka Adji
Editor: Primayanti
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