October 30, 2024

 

Indonesia prepares to ensure fish quality for free nutritious meal programme

 
 

 

Indonesia's Marine and Fisheries Products Quality Control and Supervision Agency has announced its readiness to support fish quality for the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme under the Prabowo-Gibran administration, Antara reported.

 

The initiative aims to provide nutritious meals, including fish, to 82 million beneficiaries, including schoolchildren and pregnant women.

 

"We must ensure quality from the source, beginning with the catch," stated agency head Ishartini. She highlighted the agency's role in certifying fishing vessels and overseeing aquaculture, both key to maintaining high standards for the programme.

 

Ishartini also noted that Indonesia's aquaculture sector can significantly contribute to the fish supply for the MBG programme, as aquaculture yields higher fish production. "Production from aquaculture cultivation is greater," she remarked.

 

The agency plans to collaborate closely with the National Food Agency (Bapanas) to ensure consistent quality, especially for fish intended for the MBG initiative. "We will establish cooperation," Ishartini said, adding that they have held multiple meetings with Bapanas to set quality standards for domestically supplied fish.

 

Regions across Indonesia, including Merauke, Ambon, and Aceh, can supply a variety of fish species like tuna, mackerel, and grouper to meet the MBG programme's needs. "Fisheries production in this country varies, and they can all be used to supply fish for the nutritious meal programme," she said.

 

Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono affirmed his ministry's commitment to the MBG programme, emphasising that there would be no issues in providing fish as a protein source for the meals.

 

The MBG programme is a flagship initiative of the Prabowo-Gibran government, aiming to serve meals in both the morning and afternoon. The programme's goal is to deliver nutritional support to millions across Indonesia, with fish as an integral component of its offerings.

 

-      Antara