The 2026 Free Nutrition Eating Program Needs 82.9 Million Protein Portions Per Day

Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan stated that the free nutritious food program (MBG) in 2026 requires around 82.9 million servings of protein, according to the number of beneficiaries.

"Because next year MBG will be given to 82.9 million people, meaning that if one day one egg, we need 82.9 million pills. Likewise, if you use fish, the amount is the same, 82.9 million pieces," said Zulhas during the 2025 National Fish Day Peak in Jakarta, Sunday, November 23, quoted from Antara.

To meet these protein needs, the government is currently trying to find various additional sources of protein. Zulhas emphasized that if the supply of protein does not increase while demand increases, protein prices in the market have the potential to rise according to economic law

"If demand is high but production is limited, of course prices will rise. That's why we are now competing to find solutions," he explained.

Zulhas added, one of the government's strategies is to take advantage of the source of protein typical of each region. He gave an example of differences in consumption habits between Papua, Sumatra, and Java. This difference can be a solution to meet protein needs in the MBG program evenly.

"In Sumatra, maybe we prefer fish, the food in Papua is different, as well as in Java. We will arrange everything so that Indonesia's food diversity can be utilized," he said.

In addition, Zulhas also emphasized Indonesia's target to achieve self-sufficiency in protein by 2026. He emphasized the importance of proteins to support the development of the intelligence of the younger generation. Based on global IQ data, the average IQ in developed countries is above 109, while the average IQ in Indonesia is still in the range of 90s.

"To be equal to developed countries, we must ensure that food self-sufficiency, especially protein, is available on our children's desks. With sufficient nutrition, their IQ also increases," said Zulhas.