President pushes cross-sector collaboration for free meal program: BGN

Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto has emphasized the critical importance of cross-sector collaboration to ensure the success of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program, National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Deputy Head Agustina Arumsari said.

"The president has directed all relevant ministries and agencies to support and assist the BGN in executing the MBG program, as this synergy is a crucial step toward strengthening implementation on the ground," Arumsari said in a statement in Jakarta on Thursday.

President Prabowo delivered the directive during a limited cabinet meeting at the Presidential Palace on Wednesday, as part of ongoing efforts to bolster the nutritional initiative.

Arumsari noted that the president stressed the need for cross-sectoral cooperation to optimize the program's rollout and maximize its public benefits, underscoring that ensuring successful implementation is a shared responsibility.

In this regard, the BGN reaffirmed its commitment to continuously strengthen coordination with ministries, government agencies, regional administrations, and all partners to ensure every phase of the program is executed effectively, seamlessly integrated, and in full compliance with current regulations.

The cross-sector collaboration will focus on enhancing governance, improving implementation coordination, strengthening oversight, and resolving various challenges on the ground.

Targeting 82.9 million beneficiaries across Indonesia, the MBG program was launched in early 2025 to improve the nutritional status of children under five, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and schoolchildren.

The Indonesian government on Monday, resumed the program after a temporary suspension during the school break for a thorough evaluation aimed at improving its nationwide rollout.

Translator: Lintang Budiyanti, Raka Adji

Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono

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