To support the implementation of the Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG) or Free Nutritious Meals program, the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) aims to complete 25,000 Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) by the end of December 2025.
As of November 16, 2025, BGN has constructed 15,211 SPPG, with 13,593 already operational. This development has triggered fluctuations in the supply and prices of key food commodities, such as eggs and chicken meat, in several regions across Indonesia.
Professor Subejo, an expert in Agricultural Extension and Communication, stated that the sharp increase in daily food requirements for MBG has contributed to rising prices. He added that the absence of stronger coordination between food producers and SPPG has made price spikes and raw material shortages unavoidable.
According to Professor Subejo, it is essential to ensure greater variation in raw ingredients by utilizing local resources. Each region has the potential to substitute protein sources with more accessible local alternatives.
He noted that catfish, which is relatively inexpensive and easy to cultivate, could serve as one such option. This also presents an opportunity for communities to gain additional income.
“Catfish may be quite promising to promote for cultivation,” he said on Thursday (Dec. 4).
To balance rising prices, Professor Subejo emphasized the need for coordination between MBG managers and local farmers or livestock breeders.
He stressed the importance of agricultural extension workers who can help organize, guide, and connect local producers with MBG managers. This would enable SPPG to purchase locally produced food and distribute it to the community.
“This will allow money to circulate within the village, helping realize the President’s expectation that MBG stimulates the people’s economy,” he added.
Given the number of SPPG targeted, more structured measures are needed. This can be achieved by combining conventional extension methods with information technology-based approaches to enable faster, more efficient coordination.
“I believe our extension system must undergo adjustments, including in how we organize farmers,” he said.
Professor Subejo further stated that MBG is a highly strategic program, as it provides adequate nutrition for schoolchildren. However, it still requires more structured support from local resources to enable MBG to simultaneously increase local farmers’ incomes.
“I believe the ideas to improve community welfare will gradually be realized,” he concluded.
Author: Jesi
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Photograph: Detik.com