APPMBGI Pushes for Strengthening of MBG Supply Chain
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme faces challenges in the readiness of the national food supply chain amid increasing needs. Cross-sector coordination is seen as key to ensuring that the programme’s expansion does not trigger disruptions in distribution and supply.
General Chairman of the Association of Entrepreneurs and Managers of Free Nutritious Meals Indonesia (APPMBGI), Abdul Rivai Ras, assessed that strengthening collaboration is necessary to maintain the programme’s sustainability. This was stated at the APPMBGI Summit 2026 at the APPMBGI Building, Kalisari, East Jakarta, on Saturday (25/4/2026).
Rivai said the MBG programme requires broad support from various parties. “A programme as large as free nutritious meals cannot be handled by the government alone. It requires support from all levels of society. APPMBGI is present as a socio-economic force that helps ensure this programme runs well, measurably, and sustainably,” said Rivai.
Rivai highlighted the vulnerability of the national food supply chain along with the increasing demand for MBG. He said this pressure has the potential to disrupt the distribution system if not managed properly. “However, implementation in the field holds challenges that must be addressed seriously, especially in terms of governance and supply security,” said Rivai.
According to him, coordination between suppliers, kitchen managers, and supporting business actors needs to be strengthened. “We want to ensure that the MBG programme does not damage the existing supply chain but instead strengthens the people’s economic ecosystem,” said Rivai.
This forum also featured a number of stakeholders who highlighted different aspects in the implementation of MBG. Head of Bappisus Aris Marsudiyanto emphasised the need for MBG to be positioned as a strategic cross-sector policy that combines oversight and implementation effectiveness.
Operations Director of Perum Bulog Andi Afdal highlighted the importance of maintaining supply stability and integrating national food reserves. Director of Environmental Health at the Ministry of Health Then Suyanti emphasised hygiene aspects and kitchen operational standards to ensure food safety.
General Chairman of PERSAGI Doddy Izwardy assessed that the programme’s success is not only measured by distribution volume but also nutritional quality. “Nutrition is not just about being full, but about the quality of generations,” said Doddy.
Head of the Centre for Economic Research on Industry, Services, and Trade at BRIN Umi Muamanah added the importance of building an efficient and adaptive supporting industrial ecosystem through the integration of research and innovation.
The forum also highlighted the involvement of farmers, fishermen, food SMEs, to the logistics sector as economic drivers in the MBG value chain. Strengthening digital systems and geospatial mapping is seen as important for improving distribution efficiency and anticipating supply pressures in various regions.