The Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) implemented by the government officially started on January 6, 2025. The MBG program relies on local production in each region as raw materials for food processed into food menus. This is certainly an opportunity for farmers or local business units such as MSMEs and cooperatives to participate, both in terms of providing raw materials and other business aspects. This also applies to local dairy farmers who should have the same opportunities, especially in the dairy product supply chain. 

The Local Milk Production Quality Improvement Program, implemented by Rumah Energi in collaboration with Sarihusada and Danone Ecosystem, has entered its third year. This program aims to increase farmers’ capacity for good cattle farming practices, the quality of life of farmer families, and environmental behavior that improves the Indonesian dairy business. 

Early in 2025, Rumah Energi together with Sarihusada and Danone Ecosystem conducted field visits to several locations, including the Puspetasari Klaten Cooperative, the UPP Kaliurang Sleman Cooperative, the Samesta Sleman Cooperative, and several community livestock locations that were beneficiaries of the program. During the visit, intensive and in-depth discussions were held to find out the impact of the program and things that could be further improved. 

In addition to empowering livestock farmers through training and mentoring, this project also supports more environmentally friendly livestock waste management through biogas renewable energy technology. One of the beneficiaries shared a story about the presence of domestic biogas which has provided good benefits for her household, “Thanks to this project, my pen is cleaner, I also no longer need to use gas or wood for cooking,” said Mrs. Jiyem. 

The Local Milk Production Quality Improvement Program not only helps farmers in the practical realm related to livestock or milk handling but also encourages farmers to be more financially literate through financial literacy training. The hope is that farmers can manage and organize their finances more wisely in the domestic realm and those related to business. With the implementation of the MBG program by the government, local farmers who are the heart of the economy in the regions will be able to take a key role, one of which is in the development of the Indonesian milk business. 

Written by: Ruth Subodro 

Edited by: Fauzan Ramadhan