inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) continues to strengthen regional cooperation in Southeast Asia (ASEAN) in the field of child nutrition and the provision of Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) in schools.

This commitment was demonstrated through the holding of the "ASEAN-ID Nourish: Forum on Healthy School Meals and Nutrition for Human Capital Development and a Resilient Food System" held in Semarang, Central Java.

"This forum is an important opportunity for ASEAN countries to share experiences and best practices in providing nutritious meals in schools. We believe that providing safe, nutritious, and high-quality food is a key foundation for building healthy, superior, and competitive human resources, while strengthening food security in the region," said BGN Deputy for Provision and Distribution, Suardi Samiran, on Monday (4/27/2020).

This forum aligns with the mandate of ASEAN Leaders, particularly the ASEAN Leaders' Declaration on Strengthening Food Security and Nutrition in Response to Crises in 2023, which emphasizes the importance of strengthening resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems.

Through this forum, BGN encourages the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and best practices among ASEAN member countries and external partners, which is expected to strengthen policies and implement more effective, inclusive, and sustainable school meal programs.

BGN will also share best practices related to the implementation of the MBG Program with approximately 50 participants from 11 ASEAN countries. The forum also highlights the strategic role of actors in the food supply chain in supporting the success of the school meal program.

"In this forum, we will also discuss the strategic role of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), cooperatives, and local actors in supporting food supply while strengthening regional economies through the school meal program supply chain," said Suardi.

The forum will be attended by representatives from ASEAN member countries, ASEAN's external partners, the ASEAN secretariat, and international organizations. Various strategic issues will be discussed, including strengthening the local food supply chain, ensuring food safety and hygiene, waste management, and utilizing technology to improve program monitoring and accountability systems.

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