TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Dadan Hindayana, has stated that insects can serve as an alternative protein source within the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program. He explained that the MBG menu is designed to leverage local resources, allowing regions to incorporate insects commonly consumed by their communities.

“In areas where insects like grasshoppers and sago worms are consumed, they can be included as a protein source,” Dadan said during a presentation at the Indonesian Women's National Leadership Meeting on Saturday, January 25, 2025.

Dadan emphasized that the BGN does not impose a standardized national menu. Instead, the focus is on establishing national nutritional composition standards.

Insects represent one example of how protein sources can be adapted to local availability. Dadan also highlighted other examples, such as regions with abundant egg supplies or regions with a strong fishing industry. “Some areas have a surplus of eggs, while others have abundant fish,” Dadan explained, as quoted by Antara.

In addition to protein sources, Dadan emphasized the flexibility of the MBG menu to accommodate diverse carbohydrate preferences. For instance, in regions where corn, cassava, or boiled bananas are staples, these alternatives can replace rice in the MBG menu. 

“This shows how the program can adapt to diverse dietary habits while maintaining nutritional adequacy,” Dadan added.

Currently, the MBG program is being implemented across 31 provinces in Indonesia, with 238 Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) responsible for food production.

In the initial phase, from January to April 2025, the program aims to reach 3 million beneficiaries. This number is expected to increase to 6 million beneficiaries in the subsequent phase, from April to August 2025.

Putri Safira Pitaloka and Sultan Abdurrahman contributed to the writing of this article.

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