This is a form of support from the Army to succeed in the Free Nutritional Meal (MBG) program, a flagship program under President Prabowo Subianto's administration.
"I have ordered soldiers to plant food, vegetables, and fruits on our land to ensure the success of the MBG program," Indonesian Army Chief of Staff, General Maruli Simanjuntak, remarked in a statement on Saturday.
Maruli noted that he had expected food prices to rise in line with higher demand for chicken, eggs, vegetables, and fruits, following the growing number of MBG kitchens operating across Indonesia.
Therefore, he reminded his staff of the importance of planting various vegetables and fruits on the Indonesian Army's land.
Several plots of land have been cultivated in recent months, including 206 hectares in Gunung Hejo, Purwakarta; 300 hectares in Takokak, Cianjur; 100 hectares in Baturaja, Lampung; 50 hectares in Pengalengan, Bandung District; 600 hectares in Ciemas, Sukabumi; and 60 hectares in Cibenda, Sukabumi.
"We are also educating hundreds of young farmers to manage these farms," Simanjuntak added.
Besides planting food crops, vegetables, and fruits, the Army Chief of Staff has also instructed his soldiers to raise chickens, especially laying hens, as they are considered easier to handle than broilers and can be harvested faster.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Nanik S. Deyang, lauded the Army's initiative, which has contributed to the success of the MBG Program by strengthening the food supply chain.
She noted that as the number of MBG kitchens increases, the demand for food will also rise, potentially driving up prices. However, if supply remains sufficient, food prices are expected to stabilize.
Nanik suggested that in addition to staple foods and vegetables, the Indonesian Army should also plant fruits needed by the MBG kitchens, such as bananas.
"Besides being easy to cultivate, bananas can be harvested in a relatively short time and are a safe fruit for the MBG menu," she explained.
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Translator: Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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