Indonesia's National Nutrition Agency to Monetize MBG Food Waste as Carbon Credits

Indonesia's National Nutrition Agency (BGN) is exploring the monetization of food waste from the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program as carbon credits to support the circular economy. Dian Fatwa from BGN stated that while carbon credits can be derived from various sources, including mangroves and peatlands, food waste presents a simpler alternative due to less bureaucratic complexity.

Only waste that meets international verification standards can be converted into carbon credits. These credits will be traded in the voluntary market, distinct from the compliance market tied to the Paris Agreement.

The Jimmy Hantu Foundation has previously implemented a food waste recycling program in Bogor, West Java, converting MBG leftovers into compost, biogas, and livestock feed. BGN plans to launch a pilot project to further explore this initiative.