By: Aditya Nugraha )**
The Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) continues to show consistent policy direction in ensuring that all citizens—including those living in underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost regions (3T)—receive equal nutritional services. The government places the development of MBG kitchens and the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) as strategic steps to close gaps in basic public services. This initiative demonstrates the state’s commitment to ensuring that no community is left behind in the national human development agenda, especially children and vulnerable groups.
The government’s commitment is increasingly evident through the preparation of a special SPPG model for 3T regions, as explained by Wahyu Widistyanta, Director for Region I under the Provision and Distribution Deputy of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN). BGN is currently preparing a nutritional service format tailored to isolated geographic conditions where conventional SPPG units cannot easily reach. The 3T SPPG model is designed with smaller but effective kitchen dimensions capable of serving up to one thousand beneficiaries. This innovation is significant because the kitchen design is made flexible, efficient, and easier to construct in areas with limited land and logistical challenges.
This planning is supported by the target of constructing 4,770 SPPG units across Indonesia by the end of 2025. The target reflects the government’s optimism that strengthening nutritional services must not be concentrated only in central regions but must be evenly distributed to the country’s farthest points. Nutrition fulfillment as a pillar of human resource resilience remains the foundation of MBG’s expanded coverage.
Local government support has also accelerated progress. In the Riau Islands Province, Deputy Governor Nyanyang Haris Pratamura stated that the construction of MBG kitchens at 126 3T locations has reached significant progress. His explanation highlights the push for accelerated development so that MBG services can begin operating by mid-December 2025. Geographic challenges—especially transportation to small islands that are only accessible via long sea routes—have not weakened the regional government’s commitment to completing the construction on time.
Material procurement is being carried out in a measured manner to ensure construction is not delayed. Beyond physical infrastructure, administrative requirements such as the issuance of Hygiene and Sanitation Eligibility Certificates (SLHS) also receive attention. The centralized inspection process in Batam has caused long queues, but the local government is coordinating to open additional laboratories to expedite certification. This step shows that MBG kitchen development is not only about infrastructure but also about establishing service standards to ensure safe and healthy food quality.
The spirit of accelerated development is also evident in Gorontalo Province. Head of the Provincial Food Security Agency, Ramdhan Pade, stated that the region has been allocated 22 MBG kitchen constructions this year, with evaluations showing 40 percent progress. Transportation challenges and weather conditions have not dampened the local government’s optimism in completing all projects by December. This push for acceleration is not merely compliance with development targets but a commitment to expanding MBG coverage in remote areas.
In North Gorontalo Regency, the Head of the Regency Food Security Agency, Ayuba Thalib, confirmed that construction progress remains aligned with the planned budget and schedule. Four remote areas—Ponelo Islands, Dudepo, Mutiara Laut, and Cempaka Putih—show progress ranging from 15 to 40 percent. Despite the rainy season slowing work, all necessary materials have arrived at the locations, ensuring that construction will meet the mid-December target.
Local governments recognize that MBG kitchen development in 3T regions is not only about physical infrastructure but also long-term social transformation. The availability of nutritious food for schoolchildren, vulnerable families, and residents in remote areas is expected to improve health, growth, and productivity among younger generations. Thus, MBG is projected to bridge gaps in reducing stunting, equalizing nutritional access, and strengthening the quality of Indonesia’s human resources.
This development effort also reflects a new paradigm in national nutrition policy. The MBG program is no longer viewed as merely a consumptive aid initiative, but as a government investment in building a strong foundation for a healthy and intelligent generation. In 3T regions, the benefits of MBG are even greater because access to nutritious food has long been limited by economic, geographic, and infrastructure constraints. With the establishment of MBG kitchens and SPPG units, communities in remote areas can more easily access food that meets nutritional standards.
On the other hand, MBG development has become a momentum to strengthen collaboration between the central government, local governments, and communities. The involvement of local leaders, village officials, and community groups is vital for ensuring the program’s sustainability. Their support ensures that MBG kitchens can operate consistently, prioritize food safety, and deliver meals accurately to those who need them.
The government’s commitment to expanding MBG in 3T regions deserves recognition as a concrete step toward equitable national development. The program demonstrates that the state is present comprehensively—not only in major cities but also in small islands, hinterlands, and remote territories. With the program expected to operate effectively by the end of 2025, the quality of life in 3T regions is projected to improve significantly, fostering a healthier, stronger, and more prepared generation to welcome a more advanced and inclusive future for Indonesia.
*) The writer is a Strategic Issues Observer.