Indonesia Prioritises Six Provinces in Nutrition Program to Slash Stunting

Indonesia's Ministry of Population and Family Welfare has urged the National Nutrition Agency to focus the free nutritious meal (MBG) program on six provinces – West Java, Central Java, East Java, North Sumatra, East Nusa Tenggara and Banten – where nearly half of the country's stunting cases are concentrated. Minister Wihaji said targeting these areas, together with the 3B group (pregnant women, nursing mothers and children under two), could accelerate the drop in national stunting prevalence, which stood at 19.8% in 2024, still above the 14.2% target for 2029.

In East Java, MBG kitchens have arranged to buy eggs directly from local poultry cooperatives at a floor price of Rp 24,000 per kilogram. The agreement requires the kitchens to use eggs in meals at least three times a week, aiming to stabilise egg prices and boost local producers. Simulations suggest the egg‑off‑take could improve price stability by 8‑10% and support the broader nutrition intervention.

Both moves are intended to enhance the effectiveness of the MBG programme, improve child growth outcomes, and support vulnerable communities across Indonesia.