BLITAR – Blitar regency government is preparing Merah Putih Village and Urban Cooperatives, known as KDKMP, to become key suppliers for Indonesia’s Free Nutritious Meal Program, or MBG, starting in 2027.

Under the planned system, local MSME products and agricultural goods must pass through cooperatives or village-owned enterprises before entering the national meal supply chain.

Blitar Cooperative and Microbusiness Agency head Sri Wahyuni said the policy followed coordination meetings held by the central government in Surabaya.

“Based on information we received, starting in 2027 the MBG program must receive supplies from Merah Putih Cooperatives or village-owned enterprises. This way, all parties can help strengthen local businesses,” Sri Wahyuni said.

She explained that MSME owners would no longer supply products directly to the MBG program on an individual basis. Instead, they must first register as cooperative members.

“If MSME operators want to join the MBG supply chain, they must first become cooperative members,” she said.

Under the new mechanism, cooperatives will manage the distribution of local food products and agricultural commodities for the meal program. Officials believe the system can strengthen village economies and keep business circulation centered within local communities.

“Agricultural products and MSME goods will first enter the cooperative system. After that, the cooperatives will partner with the MBG program,” Sri Wahyuni explained.

The government has already started preparing the program this year. Authorities expect full implementation in 2027 following directives from the central government.

At the same time, Blitar has become one of the fastest regions in Indonesia for developing KDKMP outlets.

Out of 248 villages and urban wards, officials have started construction on 236 cooperative outlets. Among them, 185 outlets have reached full completion.

However, authorities still face land-related obstacles in 12 locations. Several proposed sites fall under protected agricultural and sustainable land categories, forcing officials to search for alternative locations.

“Currently, 51 outlets remain under construction and should finish by June. Meanwhile, 12 villages are still looking for alternative land,” Sri Wahyuni said.

Beyond physical construction, the Cooperative Agency has also focused on strengthening daily operations and management systems.

All 248 cooperatives already hold legal status. However, only around 85 cooperatives actively operate at the moment.

Sri Wahyuni said human resource development remains the biggest challenge because many cooperative managers lack business experience.

“Business mentoring remains important because not all cooperative managers come from business backgrounds,” she added.

The MBG supply plan reflects Indonesia’s broader effort to connect rural cooperatives, local agriculture, and small businesses with large-scale national food programs.