Non-Merata Milk Distribution In MBG Program, BGN Coconut: If Imports Are Forced To Increase

JAKARTA - The head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Dadan Hindayana, stated that he would not force the distribution of milk in the Free Nutrition Food (MBG) program to areas that lack dairy cows. The statement was conveyed when answering questions regarding the realization of equal distribution of milk in the MBG program.

"Susu sudah menjadi bagian dari makan berharnasional, terutama untuk daerah-region di mana sapi perahnya ada. Tapi daerah-region yang belum ada sapi perahnya, jangan terlalu paksakan," ujar Dadan kepada wartawan, Sabtu, 25 Januari.

According to him, if forced, what will happen is an increase in imports. Because the current national demand for milk is 80 percent still imported. In fact, in the MBG program, the supply of milk is made based on local resources. "If forced, it will increase imports," he said.

For this reason, the current step is to increase the dairy cow population. This is expected to have an impact on increasing milk availability.

"So later let the cattle population increase and be present in each region, then milk will be part of the nutritious eating program," said Dadan.

Previously, the Head of the Presidential Communication Office Hasan Nasbi said that giving milk in the Free Nutrition Food (MBG) menu is not required every day because the supply of milk is not evenly distributed in each region.

"At least once a week, milk is not a mandatory menu. Because milk supply is not evenly distributed in each region," said Hasan Nasbi.

Hasan explained that the provision of milk was carried out by looking at the conditions of each Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG). Milk can be given in the MBG menu at least once a week, if the SPPG is not in a cow's milk-producing area.

However, if the SPPG is located in a cow's milk-producing area or near a cow's farm, it can be done twice to three times a week.