The Vice Governor of Gorontalo, Idah Syahidah Rusli Habibie, is pushing for the empowerment of local farmers to serve as the primary suppliers of food ingredients for the 2026 Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) Program in Gorontalo Province.
This statement was made while serving as a speaker for an RRI Gorontalo dialogue themed “Equitable Benefits of the 2026 MBG Program,” held virtually from her private residence on Wednesday (1/7/2026).
Local Food Security as a Program Foundation
The Vice Governor explained that the success of the MBG Program depends heavily on regional food security. The program requires a massive and sustainable daily supply of various food items, including:
Staples: Rice.
Proteins: Chicken, eggs, and plant-based proteins like tofu and tempeh.
Produce: Various vegetables and essential spices.
She noted that horticultural commodities such as potatoes, carrots, and eggplants are highly viable for cultivation within Gorontalo. Therefore, she emphasized that local farmers must be actively involved so they are not merely spectators in this national strategic program.
Involving Households and Women’s Organizations
Beyond professional farmers, Vice Governor Idah also encouraged the involvement of women’s organizations and individual households to strengthen family food security.
She suggested that home gardens and backyards be utilized to grow food crops. This approach serves two purposes:
Supporting household needs directly.
Supplying raw materials for the MBG Program’s supply chain.
”With the active involvement of local farmers, we are optimistic that the 2026 MBG Program will be sustainable and provide tangible benefits for the people of Gorontalo,” she concluded.
Reporter: Echin
Translated by Fera
