APGI 3T Says MBG in Remote Areas Needs Special Strategy
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – The implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme in remote, outermost, and frontier (3T) regions faces various distribution and operational challenges. This situation necessitates a more integrated distribution and management system to ensure equitable access to nutritious food in remote areas.
Geographical challenges, local food supply chains, and infrastructure limitations are key obstacles to MBG implementation in several 3T areas. This requires stronger coordination between the government, investors, and field operators for sustainable programme execution.
These conditions led to the formation of the Indonesian Nutrition Association for Remote, Outermost, and Frontier Regions (APGI 3T). APGI 3T Secretary-General Gardian Muhammad stated the organisation will focus on strengthening MBG implementation in areas with limited access.
“Our primary focus is ensuring the Free Nutritious Meals Programme in remote areas not only operates but is sustainable, targeted, and reaches even the most difficult communities,” Gardian said in Jakarta on Tuesday (26 May 2026).
APGI 3T considers the approach to implementing MBG in rural areas cannot be the same as urban regions. Geographic differences and food distribution challenges make strengthening MBG kitchens a top priority.
Gardian said strengthening MBG kitchens and distribution efficiency will be the organisation’s focus to ensure nutritious food services reach communities more effectively.
APGI 3T notes around 1,200 investors are involved in MBG implementation in remote areas. However, the organisation believes cross-sector support is still needed to sustain the programme in 3T regions.
In addition to strengthening MBG kitchens, APGI 3T will also promote capacity building for kitchen managers and enhance field data-based monitoring systems.
“Moving forward, APGI 3T will focus on strengthening MBG kitchens as food distribution centres and local empowerment, enhancing kitchen manager capacity, and bolstering field data-based monitoring systems,” said the head of the coordination and legislative synergy division of the Perindo Party’s DPP.
APGI 3T also advocates for government, investor, and field operator synergy to ensure more effective programme execution in high-access-challenge areas. According to Gardian, MBG success in 3T regions depends not only on programme scale but also on precise distribution strategies and sustainable implementation.
“Therefore, 3T regions must be prioritised in strengthening the national food and nutrition system,” Gardian said.