Jakarta, September 23, 2026 – The Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri), through the Agency for Home Affairs Policy Strategy (BSKDN), organized an Actual Discussion Forum (FDA) titled “Strategy for Accelerating the Implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) Program in Frontier, Outermost, and Underdeveloped (3T) Regions” at the Horison Ultima Menteng Hotel, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday (23/9/2026).
The Head of the Center for Regional, Population, and Public Service Policy Strategy at BSKDN Kemendagri, Dr. TR. Fahsul Falah, S.Sos., M.Si., serving as the Head of the Organizing Committee, emphasized the urgency of this forum in formulating concrete, evidence-based policy recommendations (policy brief) to be submitted directly to the Minister of Home Affairs.
In his report and remarks, Dr. TR. Fahsul Falah highlighted that implementing the MBG Program in 3T regions requires special treatment and tailored strategies that cannot be equated with non-3T areas nor generalized across different 3T regions.
“The 3T regions face complex geographical and structural challenges, ranging from high stunting rates, limited transportation infrastructure, electricity, and clean water, to weak logistics supply chains that drive up staple food prices. Therefore, BSKDN is pushing for the adoption of adaptive principles—responsive to local geographical and social conditions—and inclusive principles, ensuring that all stakeholders and local communities are actively involved from planning to implementation,” stated Dr. TR. Fahsul Falah.
Furthermore, Dr. TR. Fahsul Falah revealed that based on preliminary data, the availability of Nutrition Fulfilling Service Units (SPPG) in underdeveloped regions currently reaches only 10.78% of the ideal target. This gap must be addressed immediately through cross-sectoral collaboration and the mapping of adaptive service models, such as utilizing semi-permanent SPPGs in mountainous areas, specialized sea fleets for island regions, and indigenous community-based approaches in hinterland areas.
The event, which opened with remarks from the Head of BSKDN Kemendagri, Dr. Yusharto Huntoyungo, M.Pd, featured a lineup of speakers and experts from various ministries, agencies, and institutions, including:
– Irhamna – Associate Expert at Deputy III for Economic Affairs, Executive Office of the President (KSP);
– Drs. Samsul Widodo, M.A. – Director General for the Acceleration of Underdeveloped Regions Development, Ministry of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions;
– Ranto, S.P., M.AP. – Director of Provision and Distribution Region III, National Nutrition Agency (BGN);
– Dr. Bakri Siddiq, S.E., M.Si. – Assistant Deputy for Government Infrastructure, National Border Management Authority (BNPP);
– Sastrodirjo – Central and Regional Financial Analyst, Directorate General of Fiscal Balance, Ministry of Finance;
– Gatot Tri Laksono, S.Pd., M.Si. – Governance Expert from the Rumah Kreasi Indonesia Hebat (RKIH) Study Institute;
– Ferry Bayu Nirwono – CEO of VRITIMES;
– Tias Ade Putra – Chief Executive Officer of PT Agriva Teknologi Nusantara (DESAPEDIA);
– Rifqi Maulana, S.H. – Head of Digital Communication, National Board of the Indonesian Law Students Association (PERMAHI).
This discussion explored key issues, including strengthening the formation of regional MBG Task Forces in 3T areas, financial support schemes and regional fiscal capacity, optimizing Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes) and local food commodities within the supply chain, as well as public communication strategies and community participatory oversight.
All strategic inputs and insights from the speakers are being formulated by the BSKDN Kemendagri team as the primary material for drafting the Policy Brief on “Strategy for Accelerating the Implementation of the MBG Program in 3T Regions,” which will be presented to the Minister of Home Affairs to strengthen synergy between the central and regional governments.
This press release has also been published on VRITIMES
