National Nutrition Agency Admits Struggling to Meet Milk Demand for Free Nutritious Meal Programme Amid Low Local Production

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has admitted that the demand for milk to support the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme continues to rise alongside the increasing number of Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG) operating across various regions. This situation has made milk supply one of the primary challenges in the programme’s implementation.

The Acting Deputy for Promotion and Cooperation at BGN, Gunalan, stated that there are currently 29,670 SPPGs, or MBG kitchens, in operation, serving over 63 million beneficiaries. According to BGN Head Circular Letter Number 10 of 2026, every SPPG is required to provide milk or milk-based beverages twice a week.

“We are somewhat overwhelmed by this very large demand for milk, particularly our colleagues in the field, especially those in the kitchens,” said Gunalan during a press conference at the 2026 Nusantara Milk Day, held at the Coordinating Ministry for Food Office in Jakarta on Tuesday (2/6/2026).

He explained that when milk supplies are unavailable in the market, MBG kitchen managers substitute it with other protein sources to ensure the nutritional needs of beneficiaries are still met.

Gunalan emphasised that the development of dairy cattle farming needs to be accelerated to address the surge in milk demand from the government programme. He noted that the roles of the community, MSMEs, and cooperatives are vital in strengthening national milk production.

“Dairy farming can be further developed because the demand is extremely high,” he remarked.

He added that the BGN is also encouraging the cultivation of a milk-drinking culture from an early age. This effort is being implemented through an educational approach to make children more interested in consuming milk as part of a healthy diet.

According to Gunalan, the approach includes ‘nudging’ techniques, which involve encouraging children to choose healthy foods and drinks without coercion. This is achieved by presenting products that are attractive, easily accessible, and consistently available within the children’s environment.