Host of ASEAN ID-Nourish, Semarang Strengthens Collaboration to Accelerate Free Nutritious Meals Programme
The city of Semarang is hosting ASEAN ID-Nourish at the Gumaya Hotel from 28 to 30 April 2026. This major forum brings together ASEAN countries, international organisations, and the central government to discuss accelerating the Free Nutritious Meals Programme (MBG). The meeting is directly aimed at strengthening the implementation of the programme at the local level, including its impact on children and communities.
Several key figures attended, including Deputy for Procurement and Distribution of the National Nutrition Agency, Brigadier General (Retired) Suardi Samiran; Special Staff to the Ministry of Health, Bonanza Perwira Taihitu; Director of Social and Cultural Cooperation ASEAN at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Yuliana Bahar; and representatives from friendly countries such as Thailand’s Ambassador to ASEAN, Prinat Apirat. The forum was also attended by representatives from the FAO, World Food Programme, and the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact (MUFPP).
Semarang Mayor Agustina Wilujeng emphasised that this forum is not just a meeting, but a momentum to accelerate regional readiness in implementing the MBG programme in a more targeted manner. In front of the international delegation, she stressed the importance of cross-country collaboration in strengthening the food system. “We are here as one big family with a shared goal: creating a more resilient food system,” she said.
Agustina also affirmed that the Free Nutritious Meals Programme is a long-term investment for the future generation. “MBG is not just a meal programme; it is an investment for the future. From here, the quality of our human resources is shaped,” she asserted.
Furthermore, Agustina conveyed that the MBG programme has a positive impact on the city of Semarang, including from an economic perspective. “This is very positive for economic development in Semarang,” she said.
It is known that the event was attended by participants from within and outside the country, who also encouraged activities in various sectors during its implementation. Currently, Semarang has operationalised 174 Nutritional Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG) that reach more than 281,000 beneficiaries, as a form of regional readiness in supporting the national MBG programme.
As a follow-up, participants are scheduled to conduct field visits to several SPPG locations in Semarang to directly observe the readiness of the local food distribution and production systems.
Through this forum, Semarang is not only acting as the host but also becoming part of the efforts to accelerate the implementation of the MBG Programme so that its benefits are truly felt by the community.