Indonesia is working to balance a major new social program with environmental responsibility. Deputy Minister of Environment Diaz Hendropriyono recently emphasized the need for pollution mitigation, food waste management, and environmental protection alongside the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program.
Environmental Oversight of National Nutrition Initiative
Hendropriyono’s statement came after he inspected two nutritional fulfillment service units – known as SPPGs or MBG kitchens – in Surakarta, Central Java, on Thursday. The Banyuanyar SPPG serves over 3,000 people, while the Busukan SPPG serves around 3,100.
At the Banyuanyar SPPG, the deputy minister noted existing comprehensive systems for managing both liquid and organic waste, including the recycling of used cooking oil. This SPPG responded to concerns raised by local residents by constructing a wastewater treatment plant equipped with grease traps, infiltration ponds, and various treatment tanks and filters.
The Busukan SPPG currently utilizes city government facilities for liquid waste management. To bolster waste management efforts at this location, Hendropriyono provided three composter units to each of the two SPPGs.
Uniform Standards and Future Goals
Hendropriyono reaffirmed the Ministry of Environment’s commitment to ensuring all SPPGs adhere to consistent environmental standards. The ultimate goal is to achieve a “zero-waste” concept throughout the MBG program, which aims to reach 82.9 million beneficiaries – including children under five, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and students.
Related reporting indicates Indonesia is also considering ways to leverage food waste from the MBG program as carbon credits. The country has already demonstrated success in food waste reduction through the Indonesia Save Food Movement, which prevented 224 tons of waste since 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MBG program?
The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program is a government initiative launched on January 6, 2025, aimed at improving the nutritional status of children under five, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and schoolchildren up to the high school level.
How many people will the MBG program serve?
The program is targeting 82.9 million beneficiaries, making it one of the largest government initiatives ever implemented in the country.
What is being done to address environmental concerns related to the MBG program?
The Ministry of Environment is working to ensure the program includes pollution mitigation, food waste management, and environmental protection measures. This includes providing composting units to SPPGs and supporting the construction of wastewater treatment plants.
As the MBG program expands, will the Ministry of Environment be able to maintain consistent environmental standards across all SPPGs?
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