Speaking at a press conference after a limited cross-ministerial meeting at his office in Jakarta on Monday, Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan emphasized that such a regulation is necessary to prevent overlap among ministries, agencies, and other state institutions in implementing the program.
He noted that the planned regulation would also outline the tasks assigned to regional governments, primarily those related to the distribution of free meals.
Additionally, the provision will cover technical aspects related to the program's execution.
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Earlier, Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Dadan Hindayana, remarked that the central government would fully fund the implementation of the program in Indonesia's frontier, underdeveloped, and outermost regions.
"In essence, the central government is responsible for the free meals program. Regional governments may prepare a budget if possible, but if not, they do not have to force themselves," he stated at Halim Perdanakusuma Airbase, Jakarta, on Friday (Feb 28).
He highlighted that regional governments share at least three crucial roles in the implementation of the MBG program, including preparing supporting infrastructure.
Second, local administrations have the responsibility of strengthening local supply chains by supporting farmers and fishermen to participate as suppliers of the necessary food materials and ingredients, he noted.
Elaborating on the third role, Hindayana highlighted that regions can collaborate with the BGN in the distribution of free meals to pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers.
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Translator: Maria C, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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