Zulhas Prepares A Surge In Protein Production 2026 To Support MBG

Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan (Photo: Doc. VOI)

Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan (Zulhas) stated that the government is preparing to increase the production capacity of protein food to support the free nutritious food program (MBG) for 82.9 million recipients starting 2026.

He explained that the daily needs of the program demand large production readiness for eggs, fish, chicken, vegetables, and fruit. The government assesses that the strengthening of the protein sector needs to be increased following the increase in carbohydrate commodity production in recent years.

"The principle (food program) is to support Free Nutrition Food. Next year, it is estimated that (the government) will give 82.9 million recipients. If one day we need one egg, then we need one day 82.9 million eggs next year. Then we need fish, then we need 82.9 million pieces of fish next year, "Zulhas said quoting Antara.

He then explained that the government would build a large-scale fish pond covering an area of about 20,000 hectares in Java, as well as develop ponds in 500 districts and cities. This step is reinforced by the plan to build 2,000 fishing villages by 2026.

Zulhas said that the development of national-scale animal feed and chicken cultivation was also part of a strategy to strengthen protein supply. He assessed that the large need for the MBG program requires significant support from many food sectors.

Meanwhile, Zulhas continued, citing data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), national rice production is estimated at 34.77 million tons this year, followed by an increase in corn production of around 9 percent.

He explained that Indonesia did not import rice later this year because the domestic stock was sufficient. He said last year's imports reached around 4.5 million tons, while this year there was a surplus of about four million tons.

"The President's orders are that food sovereignty should not be negotiated. Whatever the cost, we have to do it," he said.

However, Zulhas added that the government still needs innovation and new technology to strengthen food production.

The variety of superior rice, mechanization, and research support from various institutions, including international cooperation, is considered important to accelerate the transformation of the agricultural sector.

"Indonesia in the next 1 to 5 years will build towards massive food sovereignty," he continued.

The government hopes that the expansion of food production capacity and cross-border collaboration through sustainable rice forums such as ISRF can strengthen national food security in the long term.