Bogor, February 2025 – IPB University was appointed as the National Center of Excellence (CoE) in the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program. The CoE launch was held in the Agribusiness Technology Park (ATP) area of IPB, Cangkurawok, Bogor. The launch of the MBG CoE was not just a ceremony, but also marked the beginning of a new era of strengthening nutritional interventions and cross-sector collaboration between the Ministry of National Development Planning (PPN)/National Development Planning Agency (BAPPENAS), National Nutrition Agency (BGN), IPB University and UNICEF Indonesia.
Under the coordination of IPB University, the International Research Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health (LRI PGK) will be the spearhead of the MBG Program implementation to conduct scientific studies, design measurable nutritional intervention models, and prepare recommendations for food and nutrition fulfillment policies that can be adopted nationally.
Initial Milestone of National Collaboration
Preparation activities for the launch of the CoE have begun since February 8-9, 2025, marked by a series of strategic discussions and coordination with various stakeholders. Not only that, the implementing team also conducted direct monitoring to the location to assess the readiness of the infrastructure and resources needed so that the launch runs optimally and on target. This historic moment was marked by the groundbreaking ceremony for the physical construction of the MBG CoE building. The event was led directly by the Minister of PPN/Head of BAPPENAS and witnessed by the Head of the National Nutrition Agency, Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Minister of the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency, Minister of Cooperatives and SMEs, Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Deputy Minister of Religion, Rector of IPB University, Representative of UNICEF Indonesia, Head of the International Research Institute for Food, Nutrition, and Health IPB, Regent of Bogor, and a number of other high-ranking officials.
“This is not just about nutrition, but about long-term investment for the development of Indonesian human resources,” said Prof. Dr. Ir. Rachmat Pambudy, M.S, Minister of BAPPENAS in his remarks. He emphasized that the MBG Program is part of the national strategy to accelerate poverty alleviation and create superior human resources towards Indonesia Emas 2045.
Center for Innovation, Research, and Training
The existence of the MBG CoE will function as a center for innovation, policy development, research, and training for the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals program in Indonesia. IPB University as the CoE in the MBG program will also develop various technical aspects such as implementation guidelines, certification systems, and pilot modules in various regions with the support of UNICEF Indonesia and other national and international partners.
The Chancellor of IPB University voiced the food security action program to carry out capacity development, preparation of technical guidelines, certification systems, and pilot projects in the implementation of CoE activities later.
Representative of UNICEF Indonesia, Mdm. Maniza Zaman, in his remarks stated, “Investing in children is an important foundation for building a resilient and productive future for Indonesia.”
In line with that, the Head of the National Nutrition Agency, Dr. Ir. Dadan Hindayana, emphasized that BGN will be the main backbone in creating a healthy, strong, and competitive generation in the future.
Hope for the Future
With the launch and development of the MBG CoE, it is hoped that Indonesia will have a center of excellence that is able to make the MBG program a success in a comprehensive, accountable, and broad-impact manner. The cross-sector collaboration that has been built is the key to success in ensuring that every Indonesian child, pregnant and breastfeeding mother, has access to nutritious food as their basic right to grow up healthy and smart. This initiative is not only an answer to current nutritional challenges, but also a major investment for the future of Indonesia’s generations.