Jakarta, Nov. 24 -- The National Nutrients Agency (BGN) urged kitchens participating in the Nutritious Free Lunch (MBG) program to partner with small farmers and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) for their food supply.

"I remind SPPGs, partners, and public foundations not to rely solely on large-capital suppliers for MBG food materials. They must involve small farmers, MSMEs, and cooperatives," BGN Deputy Head Nanik Sudaryati Deyang stated, referring to the MBG kitchens by their official name, nutrition fulfillment service units (SPPGs).

According to an official statement received on Monday, Deyang raised the issue during an MBG evaluation meeting in Jombang, East Java, highlighting complaints from small farmers and MSMEs who...