Indonesia Presents Free Nutritious Meal Programme at UN Human Rights Council Session
The Indonesian government has highlighted its Free Nutritious Meal Programme (MBG) during side events at the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council held at UN Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, on Thursday, 12 March 2026.
The Director-General of Human Rights Services and Compliance, Munafrizal Manan, stated that the MBG has reached approximately 61.6 million beneficiaries by March 2026. “This includes schoolchildren, toddlers, and pregnant and nursing mothers through more than 24,000 service facilities across Indonesia,” Manan said in an official statement.
Manan presented these figures during a side event organised by the Indonesian government titled “Indonesia’s Free Nutritious Meal Program: A Rights-Based Investment in Human Dignity” in Geneva on Thursday, 12 March 2026.
He stated that the MBG aims to improve nutritional status for the current and future generations, whilst supporting student participation and learning quality in schools. The programme is expected to contribute to long-term economic development through the creation of a healthier and more productive generation.
He claimed the MBG has generated significant economic impact by creating more than one million jobs. It also involves approximately 35,000 food suppliers, including cooperatives and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across various regions.
According to him, the MBG holds considerable importance in advancing human rights, particularly in fulfilling the right to food, health, education, social security, and adequate standards of living.
The side event featured several international panellists, including representatives from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Food Programme (WFP), and permanent representatives of France, Cuba, and Finland to the UN in Geneva.
The activity was attended by representatives from various countries and civil society organisations who participated in discussions regarding strengthening the right to food as part of inclusive and sustainable development.