Indonesia launches milk facility to support free meals program

INDONESIA – Indonesia has opened a new pasteurized milk processing facility in Sumedang, West Java, to boost the government’s Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program.

The facility, operated by the Nusa Dairy Indonesia Farm, is a key step in ensuring a steady supply of milk for the nationwide initiative launched by President Prabowo Subianto.

The MBG program seeks to provide free, nutritious meals to millions of schoolchildren and pregnant women, addressing malnutrition and stunting, which affect over 20% of Indonesian children under five, according to a report by the World Health Organization. 

The new facility will process milk from local dairy farmers, creating a sustainable supply chain. 

“This initiative ensures our children get quality nutrition while giving farmers a stable market,” said Cooperatives Minister Budi Arie Setiadi during the facility’s opening ceremony. 

The ministry expects the plant to produce up to 150 liters of pasteurized milk daily, with plans to scale up as demand grows.

The facility’s launch aligns with efforts to empower local cooperatives, which act as primary buyers of farm products, reducing reliance on middlemen. 

A report by the Ministry of Cooperatives highlights that this model supports the circular economy by keeping economic benefits within communities. 

The program has already disbursed US$41 million to fund meal distribution, with additional budgets under consideration, as noted by Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati. 

“We are committed to refining this program to reach every child in need,” she stated at a recent press briefing.

To ensure quality, the facility adheres to strict pasteurization standards, making the milk safe for consumption. 

The government is also evaluating distribution schemes to expand coverage across Indonesia’s vast archipelago, a challenge given its diverse geography. 

According to the National Economic Council, the program may lead to increased village fund allocations to support local production and logistics.

This initiative has drawn praise for its dual focus on health and economic growth. By integrating local farmers into the supply chain, the government aims to boost rural economies while addressing nutritional gaps. 

As the MBG program expands, officials are optimistic about its potential to transform public health and agricultural sustainability. 

The Sumedang facility marks a promising start, with plans for similar plants in other regions to meet the program’s ambitious goals.

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