MBG Menu to Serve Fish Twice Weekly, Government Explains Reasons

The Deputy Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Didit Herdiawan Ashaf, stated that fish, as a protein source in the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme, will be served twice a week. He noted that this follows the issuance of Presidential Regulation (Perpres) Number 74 of 2026 regarding the Movement to Popularise Fish Consumption (Gemarikan).

Didit explained that the MBG programme will be utilised to implement Gemarikan. “It may change from once a week or once every two weeks to twice a week,” he said after attending a Gemarikan socialisation event at the Gradhika Bhakti Praja Building, Semarang, Central Java, on Wednesday (30/09/2026).

According to Didit, the requirement to serve fish menus in the MBG programme has already begun to be implemented. “This is just starting, so it is being carried out gradually,” he added.

While delivering his speech during the Gemarikan socialisation event, Didit mentioned that the fish side dishes in the MBG menu do not necessarily have to be marine fish. The types of fish selected can be adjusted to the needs and tastes of each respective region. “For example, in Central Java, there is a preference for catfish, tilapia, salin tilapia, or goldfish. Something like that,” he said.

Didit explained that the fish consumption level in Indonesia remains relatively low, averaging between 26-29 kilograms per capita per year. He noted that this figure must continue to increase. “We have sustainable fish feed reaching approximately 12 million tonnes per year that has not yet been utilised effectively,” he said.

He revealed that one of the President’s priority programmes is the development of the Red and White Fishing Village (KNMP). This year, the government targets the construction of 1,269 KNMPs, with plans to build approximately 5,000 KNMPs by the end of 2029.