Indonesian Delegation Visits India to Learn Best Practices in Mid-Day Meal Scheme and Digital Inclusion

An Indonesian delegation led by Mochammad Firman Hidayat, Deputy Coordinating Minister of Maritime Resources, Coordinating Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Investment, visited India last week to explore collaboration in various sectors and learn from India’s best practices in the mid-day meal scheme and digital inclusion. The visit comes in the context of Indonesia’s recently concluded elections and the incoming administration’s plans to introduce new socio-economic initiatives.

Recent Context

Indonesia’s President-elect Prabowo has proposed implementing a mid-day meal scheme in schools, similar to India’s program, as part of his election manifesto. The Indonesian delegation’s visit to India aimed to gather insights and knowledge to make their domestic mid-day meal plan a success. The delegation also sought to learn from India’s experiences in digital inclusion and connectivity, which are among the top domestic priorities of the Indonesian government.

Collaboration in Biotechnology and Agriculture

The Indonesian delegation held meetings with officials from the Department of Biotechnology and visited the National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR) in New Delhi. Discussions focused on biotechnological research, development, and the innovation ecosystem in India. The delegation also explored potential areas of cooperation in reducing marine debris, aquaculture, bio-material, bio-fuel, and early warning systems for earthquakes during their visit to the Ministry of Earth Sciences.

Learning from India’s Digital Public Infrastructure

At the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the Indonesian delegation gained insights into India’s Digital Public Infrastructure, particularly the Jan Dhan Aadhar Mobile (JAM) trinity initiative for financial inclusion and accessibility. The JAM trinity links bank accounts, Aadhaar (unique identity), and mobile numbers of Indian citizens, enabling direct benefit transfers during the Covid-19 pandemic without requiring in-person or material movements.

Studying the Mid-Day Meal Scheme

One of the primary objectives of the Indonesian delegation was to learn about India’s “Mid-Day Meal Scheme.” The delegation interacted with officials from the Ministry of Education, gaining insights into the scheme’s implementation, logistics, nutritional value, challenges, and the roles of central and state governments. The delegation also visited Akshaya Patra’s kitchen facilities in Bangalore, a not-for-profit organization that is the Government of India’s largest partner in operating the Mid-Day Meal Scheme.

Exploring Digital Infrastructure and Blue Economy

The Indonesian delegation visited the Centre for Digital Public Infrastructure to delve deeper into India’s digital infrastructure landscape. They also visited Sea6 facilities in Bangalore and Tuticorin to strengthen possibilities of cooperation in the Blue Economy. Sea6 Energy, a company that focuses on using seaweed for various applications, recently launched the world’s first large-scale mechanized tropical seaweed farm in Lombok, Indonesia.

Month: Current Affairs - April, 2024

Category: International / World Current Affairs