BRIN supports the success of the MBG Programme through livestock innovation and research
The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) states that innovations and research in the livestock sector represent a strategic step for the institution in supporting the success of the government’s Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Programme.
This was conveyed by BRIN Head Arif Satria on the sidelines of the “International Strategic Meeting on Scientific Pathways for Sustainable Livestock Industry Transformation” at BRIN’s office in Jakarta on Friday.
“This is a very important and strategic matter, in line with the government’s programme to enhance food security and to ensure the success of the MBG Programme,” said Arif.
He emphasised that the nutritional fulfilment programme is a strategic decision by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, which should naturally be supported by tangible innovations and field research.
Furthermore, he highlighted Indonesia’s ongoing dependence on external parties to meet national milk consumption needs, making efforts to increase dairy self-sufficiency urgently necessary.
To achieve this ambitious target, BRIN is currently working to enhance dairy cattle breeding capabilities to boost milk production and productivity, which is essential for future generations.
In the short term, Arif continued, BRIN is using international collaborations, including this event, as a platform for sharing livestock technology innovations involving private industry practitioners from Europe and other countries.
Meanwhile, for long-term targets, he said, the steps taken go beyond production research and innovation, also including collaborations to improve the livestock sector’s adaptation to climate change.
“Currently, livestock is often accused of causing climate change due to methane gas emissions, but we can reduce methane gas from livestock through research and innovation,” he stated.
On the same occasion, Minister of National Development Planning/Head of Bappenas Rachmat Pambudy affirmed that the MBG Programme is a game changer in driving national economic growth, while also strengthening the transformation of Indonesia’s food and livestock sectors.
According to him, the MBG Programme not only impacts nutritional fulfilment for the population but also creates a large and stable market demand, particularly for the domestic livestock sector.
Rachmat revealed that the additional needs from the programme are projected to reach 1.5 million litres of milk and 47,000 tonnes of beef by 2029, serving as a positive signal for investors.
“The market is ready, stable, and growing,” stated Rachmat Pambudy.