December 26, 2024
Indonesia's milk inclusion in free nutritious meals limited to dairy-producing regions
The Indonesian government plans to include milk in meal packages provided under the Free Nutritious Meals programme only in dairy-producing regions and their surrounding areas, according to the country's National Nutrition Agency (BGN).
BGN head Dadan Hindayana said that milk distribution would be limited to regions that have access to local dairy farms. He clarified that the programme will not impose the inclusion of milk in areas lacking dairy production facilities.
"Regions with no dairy cattle farms or those located far from such farms should not be forced to provide milk. We can simply substitute milk with eggs or kelor leaves," Hindayana said, referring to moringa oleifera as an alternative source of nutrition.
The agency also intends to prioritise the procurement of pasteurised milk for the programme. The decision reflects a broader strategy to adapt the programme to the availability of local resources.
Earlier, on October 29, 2024, Deputy Minister of Agriculture Sudaryono had advised against mandating milk as a compulsory component in the Free Nutritious Meals programme, citing the country's limited milk production.
"Considering our insufficient production of milk, we have urged the National Nutrition Agency against forcing the inclusion of milk in the programme," Sudaryono stated in Jakarta. He stressed that the programme's implementation should not rely on importing milk, which could strain the national economy.
Sudaryono proposed alternative protein sources, both animal and plant-based, to support the health and growth of children and pregnant women targeted by the programme. These alternatives would ensure nutritional goals are met without relying heavily on milk.
He also noted the potential for increasing milk inclusion in the future, contingent on Indonesia's ability to raise its milk production levels. This approach would gradually align the program with the nation's growing dairy capabilities while maintaining its focus on providing essential nutrition.
- Antara
