IPB University and BGN Sign MoU to Establish National Nutrition Center of Excellence
IPB University and the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance the development of a National Nutrition Fulfillment Center of Excellence (CoE). The signing took place at the Startup Center Building, IPB Taman Kencana Campus, Bogor (7/31).
“We hope that the establishment of the CoE building can begin soon, so that the new facility can be utilized by this November. In the future, this facility will serve as a training, development, research, and strategic think tank center to enhance the national nutrition program,” explained IPB University Rector, Prof Arif Satria.
He also stated that the scientific fields developed by IPB University are closely linked to the nutrition fulfillment ecosystem. This is the basis for this cooperation.
“Food supply is highly dependent on agricultural, fisheries, and livestock activities. Our role lies in the development of human resources and processes that support national nutrition resilience,” he explained.
As part of these efforts, IPB University has also been tasked with training thousands of Indonesian Nutrition Extension Sanitarian Officers (SPPI). “Each batch, we train up to a thousand SPPI officers who come to campus. Together with the Defense University (Unhan), we educate prospective officers who will assist kitchens in various regions,” he said.
Additionally, IPB University has just launched a professional nutritionist program as a continuation of its undergraduate nutrition degree. Prof Arif explained that nutritionists will become certified professionals assigned to provide nutrition consultations.
“So, after earning a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, there is a one-year professional program called nutritionist. These are professionals specifically assigned to be consultants,” he said.
On this occasion, the Chaurman of BGN, Dr Dadan Hindayana, stated that the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program has developed rapidly. He explained that since its launch on August 15, 2023, MBG has now been rolled out across Indonesia.
“MBG was rolled out on January 6, 2025, and thank God, the progress has been extraordinary,” he said.
Currently, according to Dr Dadan, BGN serves residents in 38 provinces, covering 502 regencies. According to the latest data, he reported that the program has reached nearly 67 percent of Indonesia’s districts.
He further explained that MBG has benefited 7,6 million children, surpassing the initial target. By comparison, Dr Dadan described this achievement as equivalent to feeding the entire active population of Singapore.
“In Singapore, this is the same as feeding everyone who is active there,” he said. He also mentioned that, compared to other countries, this program is equivalent to feeding the entire population of Finland or Denmark.
Nevertheless, he reminded everyone that the program’s target is still a long way off. With Indonesia’s population growing at a rate of 6 people per minute or 3 million per year, Dr. Dadan emphasized the urgency of accelerating the program. “And as we know, Indonesia’s population is still growing by 6 people per minute, 3 million per year, and is projected to reach 324 million by 2045,” he said.
Furthermore, he revealed that limited food supply resilience remains a major challenge. “We tried salads; some could last, but it really depends on the quality of the raw materials,” he added.
To address this problem, BGN will adopt advanced food technology. “God willing, next year, we will try using what is called freeze drying technology, then vacuum technology, and also irradiation,” he said. (dr) (IAAS/EXC)
