Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has firmly asserted that Indonesia’s Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program transcends mere social policy, positioning it instead as a strategic investment model for the nation’s future. He delivered this significant statement during his attendance at the opening ceremonies of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa.
This sentiment was echoed by Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, who stated in a press conference following the summit’s first session on Saturday, November 22, that “The Vice President affirmed that food security is not merely an economic agenda but a fundamental necessity and a strategic investment.” This underscores the high priority placed on ensuring sustainable food access.
Indeed, the issue of food security emerged as a central focus for this year’s G20 forum. Official reports paint a stark picture, revealing that 720 million people worldwide continue to experience hunger, a sobering statistic that highlights the urgent need for global collaboration to ensure equitable and sustainable access to food for all.
Airlangga further elaborated that Vice President Gibran presented the MBG program as a concrete example of intervention designed to strengthen the national food ecosystem. Beyond its primary goal of enhancing community nutritional intake, the program actively promotes the utilization of local products, empowers farmers and ranchers, and broadens economic supply chains, even reaching Indonesia’s most remote regions. This holistic approach strengthens both health and local economies.
Beyond food security, Gibran also emphasized the critical agenda of disaster risk mitigation as an integral component of Indonesia’s national development strategy. As an archipelago situated within the volatile Ring of Fire, Indonesia confronts dynamic natural risks that necessitate systematic and sustainable mitigation policies to protect its populace and infrastructure.
The current G20 Summit in South Africa holds particular historical significance, marking the first time the prestigious event has been hosted on the African continent. The summit drew an impressive attendance of 37 heads of state and government, alongside leaders from influential international bodies such as the United Nations (UN), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, and other key global institutions.
The forum’s robust discussions were structured across three principal sessions. The first session delved into critical issues including the global economy, sustainability, trade, and development financing. Subsequently, the second session addressed topics vital for a resilient world, encompassing disaster preparedness, climate change, equitable energy transition, and comprehensive food systems. Finally, the third session concentrated on fostering decent work, establishing robust AI governance frameworks, and discussing the strategic importance of critical minerals – a priority issue for Indonesia.
Summary
Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka asserted that Indonesia’s Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program is a strategic investment model for the nation’s future, not just a social policy. Speaking at the G20 Summit, he emphasized food security as a fundamental necessity and a strategic investment, a sentiment echoed by Coordinating Minister Airlangga Hartarto. The MBG program strengthens the national food ecosystem by enhancing community nutrition, promoting local products, and empowering farmers, thereby broadening economic supply chains to remote regions.
Food security was a central focus for the G20 forum this year, given that 720 million people worldwide continue to experience hunger. Beyond this, Gibran also highlighted disaster risk mitigation as a critical component of Indonesia’s national development strategy due to its position on the Ring of Fire. The G20 Summit in South Africa, the first on the African continent, saw broad discussions on the global economy, climate change, resilient world issues, and critical minerals, among other key topics.
