This was conveyed by the head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Dadan Hindayana.
"Local governments should prepare their own budgets if they have the resources. If they do not, there is no need to push it," he said on Friday.
He stated that local governments have three key responsibilities to support the program.
First, they must develop the necessary infrastructure for its implementation.
Second, they must strengthen and enhance the local supply chain, including by supporting farmers, livestock breeders, and fishermen to ensure the availability of ingredients for the program in their areas.
Third, local governments must collaborate with BGN to assist in distributing nutritious food, particularly to pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers.
"If there is no budget, there is no need to force the implementation of these three aspects," Hindayana said.
He noted that while participation is not mandatory, some regions have demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting the MBG program. For instance, East Java has allocated Rp700 billion, while Bojonegoro has set aside Rp99 billion.
He emphasized that these funds are designated for infrastructure development, supply chain strengthening, and support services, not for purchasing nutritious meals.
He assured that his agency is prepared to assist remote areas with limited infrastructure.
"We have a budget available to support areas with only one or two schools, where partners may not be interested in operating," Hindayana said.
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Translator: Andi, Kenzu
Editor: Anton Santoso
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