BGN Prepares Distribution Mechanism for Free Nutritious Meals in Conflict-Prone Regions

Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Sudaryono has announced plans to improve the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme in eastern Indonesia. The BGN is preparing several options for distributing MBG in conflict-prone regions.

“Regarding Papua and others, it is not only Papua, but also East Nusa Tenggara, Maluku, and everywhere else. We have the maps and we want to improve the situation there,” Sudaryono said during a press conference at the BGN in Central Jakarta on Wednesday (29/7/2026).

“We want to fix what is important and urgent. There are issues that are important and urgent, urgent but not important, not important but urgent, and neither important nor urgent. We will classify them from that perspective,” he added.

He stated that the BGN will distribute MBG in conflict-prone areas. The agency will cooperate with the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri), as well as utilise churches and other facilities, to ensure the meals can be delivered.

“Regarding Papua, I would add that we are also considering the mechanism for MBG or nutritious meals for children in conflict-prone areas. There are several pilot projects we have already conducted in cooperation with the TNI and Polri using church facilities and others,” he explained.

Sudaryono emphasised that Indonesian children, especially those in conflict zones, urgently need the MBG programme. Therefore, the BGN is focusing on distributing the meals by involving the TNI and Polri.

“Because children everywhere in Indonesia, particularly those in need in vulnerable, conflict-prone, and remote areas, must also gain access to the nutritional improvements they desperately require,” he concluded.