Brazil ready to supply soybeans for Indonesia's free nutritious meal programme

Brazil is ready to become a supplier of soybeans for the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme, a priority initiative of President Prabowo Subianto, according to the Brazilian Embassy in Jakarta. Agricultural Attaché Carlos Turchetto stated that the programme’s implementation presents a good export opportunity for Brazil, and his country is committed to exporting soybeans at good prices and quality. “We know tempeh and tofu are very important menus in this programme, and Brazil is ready to help with the supply of soybeans,” Turchetto said at the Brazil Pavilion during the Food & Hospitality Indonesia (FHI) 2026 event in Jakarta on Tuesday. He added that soybean supplies from Brazil could also help maintain stock levels and curb commodity price inflation in the domestic market. Turchetto noted that extensive discussions have been held with the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture regarding which commodities could be imported from Brazil to support the government in ensuring food availability for the MBG programme and the general public. Beyond soybeans, Brazil is also prepared to export beef and poultry if required, positioning itself as a source of halal meat imports for Indonesia. The strengthening trade relationship is partly attributed to Indonesia’s full membership in the BRICS group on 6 January 2025. “The approach between countries in forums like BRICS and the friendship between our presidents is very important for trade because I believe it makes bureaucratic matters easier for both sides to resolve,” Turchetto added. At the FHI event, the Brazilian Embassy featured 10 business operators at its pavilion, showcasing various culinary products including acai, sorbet, wine, and coffee.