Indonesia’s Free Meal Program to Boost Livestock Industry and Attract Youth
Free School Meals Could revitalize Indonesia‘s aging Livestock Industry
jakarta, Indonesia – A new government program aimed at providing free nutritious meals to millions of Indonesian schoolchildren could have a surprising side effect: revitalizing the country’s aging livestock industry.
Nanang Subendro, Chairman of the Indonesian Cattle and Buffalo Farmers Association (PPSKI), believes the program, known as the free nutritious meal program (MBG), will create a surge in demand for locally sourced meat and dairy, leading to new business opportunities in rural areas and attracting younger generations to livestock farming.
“I am confident the free nutritious meal program will generate a highly positive multiplier effect for farmers and rural entrepreneurs,” Subendro told the Jakarta Globe. “New businesses will emerge, particularly from farmers and livestock breeders supplying the required materials.”
Subendro highlighted the urgent need for fresh blood in Indonesia’s livestock sector. “The majority of livestock breeders in Indonesia are over 50 years old,with younger generations showing limited interest in the field,” he explained.”I hope the MBG program will inspire youth to pursue careers in livestock farming, benefiting both meal recipients and the welfare of farmers.”
The program, a flagship initiative of President Prabowo Subianto, aims to improve child nutrition and education. Launching on January 2, 2025, it will initially provide meals to 15 million children at a cost of Rp 10,000 ($0.63) per portion per day. The program is projected to expand to over 80 million recipients by 2029, with a total estimated budget of Rp 400 trillion ($25 billion) over the next several years.
Subendro sees the MBG program as a way to not only address child hunger but also to rejuvenate interest in animal husbandry and veterinary medicine among university students.
“When I visit universities with animal husbandry or veterinary medicine faculties and ask students if they plan to become livestock farmers after graduation, the response is usually very low,” he said. “This needs to change.”
He pointed to the existing local livestock supply deficit, emphasizing the vast business opportunities in the industry.”With 56% of breeders nearing retirement, the question remains—who will replace them?” Subendro added.
Despite these challenges, Subendro remains optimistic about Indonesia’s livestock industry. With abundant natural resources, he believes the sector holds great promise for meeting domestic demands and addressing the current supply shortages.
“Indonesia is still in deficit when it comes to local livestock supply,” Subendro concluded.”From a business perspective, the prospects are excellent, as natural resources are more than sufficient to support the industry’s growth.”
Free School Meals Could Revitalize Indonesia’s Aging Livestock Industry
Jakarta, Indonesia – A new government program aimed at providing free nutritious meals to millions of Indonesian schoolchildren could have a surprising side effect: revitalizing the country’s aging livestock industry.
Nanang Subendro, Chairman of the Indonesian Cattle and Buffalo Farmers Association (PPSKI), believes the program, known as the free nutritious meal program (MBG), will create a surge in demand for locally sourced meat and dairy, leading to new buisness opportunities in rural areas and attracting younger generations to livestock farming.
“I am confident the free nutritious meal program will generate a highly positive multiplier effect for farmers and rural entrepreneurs,” Subendro told the Jakarta Globe.”New businesses will emerge, notably from farmers and livestock breeders supplying the required materials.”
Subendro highlighted the urgent need for fresh blood in Indonesia’s livestock sector. “The majority of livestock breeders in Indonesia are over 50 years old, with younger generations showing limited interest in the field,” he explained.”I hope the MBG program will inspire youth to pursue careers in livestock farming, benefiting both meal recipients and the welfare of farmers.”
The program, a flagship initiative of President Prabowo Subianto, aims to improve child nutrition and education. Launching on january 2, 2025, it will initially provide meals to 15 million children at a cost of Rp 10,000 ($0.63) per portion per day. The program is projected to expand to over 80 million recipients by 2029, with a total estimated budget of Rp 400 trillion ($25 billion) over the next several years.
Subendro sees the MBG program as a way to not only address child hunger but also to rejuvenate interest in animal husbandry and veterinary medicine among university students.
“When I visit universities with animal husbandry or veterinary medicine faculties and ask students if they plan to become livestock farmers after graduation, the response is usually very low,” he said. “This needs to change.”
He pointed to the existing local livestock supply deficit, emphasizing the vast business opportunities in the industry.”With 56% of breeders nearing retirement, the question remains—who will replace them?” Subendro added.
despite these challenges, Subendro remains optimistic about Indonesia’s livestock industry.With abundant natural resources, he believes the sector holds great promise for meeting domestic demands and addressing the current supply shortages.
“Indonesia is still in deficit when it comes to local livestock supply,” subendro concluded. “From a business outlook, the prospects are excellent, as natural resources are more than sufficient to support the industry’s growth.”