Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan revealed that the Free Nutritious Meal program in 2026 will require 82.9 million daily protein portions. He emphasized the need for protein self-sufficiency to boost national intelligence. The statement was made at the National Fish Day 2025 peak event in Jakarta.
At the National Fish Day 2025 peak event in the Sarinah area, Central Jakarta, on Sunday (23/11/2025), Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan (Zulhas) stated that the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program next year will serve 82.9 million beneficiaries. "Because next year we will provide MBG to 82.9 million beneficiaries, so if one egg per day, we need 82.9 million eggs. If fish, then 82.9 million pieces of fish," he said.
Zulhas acknowledged that the government is working hard to find additional protein sources to avoid price hikes due to market laws. "It's the usual market law, if demand is high but production is low, prices will rise. That's why we're racing now," he said. A proposed solution is to utilize local protein sources, such as fish in Sumatra, different foods in Papua, and preferences in Java. "In Sumatra they might like fish, in Papua the food is different, in Java preferences might differ. We've arranged this, we'll show later how diverse Indonesian food is," he added.
Additionally, Zulhas announced Indonesia's target for protein self-sufficiency in 2026. He highlighted protein's role in enhancing intelligence, especially for the youth. Based on Intelligent Quotient (IQ), the average IQ in advanced countries is above 109 points, while Indonesia's is in the 90s range. "We must achieve self-sufficiency, then serve it on our children's tables, train them to be smart, and thus we change. Nutrition changes, IQ changes," he explained.
The 12th National Fish Day commemoration carries the theme "Fish Protein for the Golden Generation 2045", aligning with President Prabowo's Medium-Term National Development Plan (RPJMN) 2025-2029 and the second Asta Cita, emphasizing food self-sufficiency and strengthening creative, green, and blue economies. The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries has a key role, given fish as a primary protein source. "Happy eating fish because protein is important, determining Indonesia's civilization today and in the future," Zulhas concluded.
