Deputy Head of National Nutrition Agency Appreciates Gertaman Programme for Supporting MBG Supply in Bandung

Innovation in this initiative can reduce reliance on external supplies while strengthening food security. Bandung (ANTARA) - Deputy Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Sony Sonjaya appreciated the implementation of the Gerakan Tanami Halaman (Gertaman) programme in Bandung Regency, which is seen as having the potential to support supplies for the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme. During his visit to Bandung on Thursday, Sony stated that the harvest from the programme could be channelled to the Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG), thereby reducing dependence on external supplies. “This innovation can reduce reliance on external supplies while strengthening food security,” said Sony. Sony also mentioned that similar programmes are worth developing in other regions as an effort to strengthen household-based food security. “In addition to supplying MBG needs for nearby SPPG kitchens, the community also gains additional income from selling those vegetables,” he added. Meanwhile, Bandung Regent Dadang Supriatna said the programme, launched on 23 December 2025, is an initiative to support regional food security as well as the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme. He explained that the programme is designed to optimise the use of unproductive yard land so that it can be planted with economically valuable commodities with relatively short harvest periods. He stated that the utilisation of yard land is expected not only to meet family food needs but also to provide economic value if the harvest exceeds household consumption requirements. According to him, the harvest can be channelled through the Merah Putih Village Cooperative (KDMP) or directly support the needs of SPPG kitchens in the MBG programme. Dadang added that the economic turnover potential from the MBG programme in Bandung Regency is estimated to reach around Rp5.4 trillion per year, making it an opportunity that can be utilised by the community. He is optimistic that if the Gertaman programme is run consistently, the community’s production results can contribute to meeting MBG needs in the area. “At minimum, it can meet their own needs, and if there is a surplus, it can be sold to support MBG,” he hoped.