Government Disburses IDR 2 Trillion A Month To Run MBG Program

Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan or Zulhas said the government would spend a budget for the Free Nutrition Food Program (MBG) of IDR 1-2 trillion in one month.

Zulhas said that the preparation of the MBG Program for children had been carried out for the past two months.

"It is estimated that in March it will be implemented, maybe per month it can absorb a budget of IDR 1-2 trillion," Zulhas said at a press conference at his office, Monday, March 3.

He said that the matter related to this budget had just been discussed. After this, said Zulhas, the government will discuss the parties involved in supplying MBG.

"Therefore, we have prepared a supply chain. The need is very large. In Java (Clau) it will certainly be different from Sumatra," he said.

"(The island) of Sumatra will also be different from Eastern Indonesia, therefore we need preparation," he continued.

The politician from the National Mandate Party (PAN) said the MBG Program would target up to 82.9 million beneficiaries by the end of this year.

"Because this March will be many times bigger (the number of beneficiaries). In fact, by the end of the year, of course, 82.9 million beneficiaries will be carried out," he said.

Furthermore, said Zulhas, the MBG Program will be distributed evenly to areas that cooperate with the relevant government.

"It is hoped that the local government (Pemda), related ministries (is involved). Of course, the Nutrition Agency (National) does not work alone, all need cooperation, including the supply of materials. Then, there are also inter-ports, inter-trade areas and so on," he explained.