Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program to address food insecurity and prevent demographic challenges, set to begin on 2 January 2025 for 82.9 million beneficiaries across 930 locations nationwide by mid-2025, requires 30,000 nutritionists, an official said.

The Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Dadan Hindayana said that the nutritionists are needed to address diverse regional dietary needs. 

“Each region has unique nutritional characteristics. We’ll need at least 30,000 nutritionists to ensure the program’s success,” he said at a Jakarta symposium on Monday (25/11/2024).

The program will establish service units in 34 provinces, staffed by nutritionists, financial specialists, and coordinators. These teams will deliver balanced meals tailored to local communities, according to antaranews.com.

With an annual budget of Rp 400 billion, the program relies on 95% locally sourced ingredients, benefiting farmers and strengthening Indonesia’s food system. 

“This initiative not only fights hunger but also supports agricultural sustainability,” Dadan added.

Targeting low-income families, MBG aims to reduce the risks of malnutrition and ensure a healthier future. Dadan emphasized the urgency: 

“Families with six members and incomes below Rp 1 million cannot afford proper meals. This program is a critical step toward resolving such challenges.”

BGN is determined to transform Indonesia’s nutrition landscape, tackling both immediate needs and long-term resilience.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)