Kupang Regional ToT Strengthens MBG Readiness in NTT, NTB and Bali

As part of efforts to strengthen regional readiness to implement the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme, training of trainers (ToT) for the NTT, NTB and Bali region was held on 4–7 February 2026. The activity involved 27 participants from Nusa Tenggara Timur, Nusa Tenggara Barat and Bali.

The ToT in Kupang was an important opportunity to strengthen regional facilitators’ capacity, particularly to ensure that regional MBG implementation follows standards covering nutrition, food safety and nutrition education in educational institutions. It also highlighted cross-sector collaboration in supporting a national priority programme focused on improving the quality of Indonesia’s human resources.

The activity was formally opened by Nusa Tenggara Timur Governor Melki Laka Lena, who emphasised accelerating MBG implementation in NTT and surrounding areas. The training is expected to improve regional delivery, including through a stronger understanding of food safety standards and nutrition requirements at every stage of implementation.

Various stakeholders also affirmed their support as part of a shared commitment to preparing a healthier, more capable future generation. MBG is seen as both the provision of meals for children and a long-term national investment requiring professional, accountable and sustainable governance.

Kupang Regional ToT participants represented provincial health offices, education offices, Pusat Pengendalian Lingkungan Hidup Bali dan Nusa Tenggara, Balai Besar POM, regional offices of Kementerian Agama, Balai Penjaminan Mutu Pendidikan (BPMP), regional leadership of Badan Gizi Nasional, regional branches of Persatuan Ahli Gizi Indonesia (PERSAGI), and academics from Universitas Nusa Cendana (Undana). Their participation demonstrates the need for strong coordination and collaboration among regional stakeholders in implementing MBG.

Participants strengthened their understanding of three main modules:

1. Nutrition Standards and Food Safety for Food Handlers at Satuan Pelayanan Pemenuhan Gizi (SPPG);
2. Training Module on MBG Programme Implementation in Education Units;
3. Nutrition Education Module for the Free Nutritious Meals Programme in Education Units.

The three modules were designed to support comprehensive MBG implementation. The first focuses on nutrition and food safety standards for SPPG food handlers, the second on programme implementation in educational institutions, and the third on nutrition education so that the programme builds students’ knowledge and healthy eating habits alongside its direct benefits.

The training brought together facilitators from Kementerian Kesehatan, Badan Pengawas Obat dan Makanan, Kementerian Pendidikan Dasar dan Menengah and IPB University. Their involvement enriched the training content and ensured that materials reflected practical implementation needs.

Over four days, participants attended presentations, discussions and in-depth module sessions to strengthen conceptual and technical understanding. In addition to mastering the materials, they prepared to serve as regional facilitators who can deliver further training to educators and food handlers at SPPG.

The Kupang Regional ToT emphasised that regional capacity is an essential foundation for MBG’s success. Facilitators with a comprehensive understanding of implementation standards are expected to support more effective, safe and high-quality delivery across NTT, NTB and Bali.

Through this activity, CoE views regional facilitator development as both a training strategy and a practical step towards building a strong local MBG implementation ecosystem. The ToT’s results are expected to support the spread of good practices, strengthen cross-sector coordination and sustain programme delivery towards a healthy and capable Indonesian generation.