Indonesia food security: MBG program and commodity self-sufficiency

Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan announced that under the administration of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Indonesia has achieved self-sufficiency in eight food commodities: rice, corn, consumer sugar, bird's eye chili, large chili, chicken eggs, chicken meat, and shallots. This progress is supported by increased domestic production, subsidized fertilizers, and price protection policies. Bulog reported government rice stocks at approximately 4.55 million tons, while the Farmer Terms of Trade (NTP) rose to 131.11 in September 2026.

Regarding the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program, Minister Hasan emphasized that all raw materials must be supplied by local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). To manage this, the government is preparing the Red and White Village/Sub-district Cooperatives (KDKMP) to act as collection and distribution hubs. To support these MSMEs, the government is working to cap microcredit interest rates via PNM Mekaar at a maximum of 8 percent per year.

Legislator Andre Rosiade noted that while the MBG program faces some opposition in Jakarta, there is significant demand for it in rural regions. He stressed the need for continuous evaluation of the program, specifically regarding food safety, supervision, and adherence to standard operating procedures to ensure equitable distribution and service quality.