Jakarta – The government continues to demonstrate extraordinary commitment in ensuring the success of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program as a concrete effort to support Indonesia’s golden generation. In order to ensure that every child receives the right and safe nutritional intake, the government consistently carries out periodic checks on nutrition, food safety, and the quality of food served distributed to schools.
This step is carried out in an integrated manner through cross-sector collaboration involving the education office, health office, food supervisory agency, and other related institutions at the central and regional levels. The government has set strict national standards to ensure that food in the MBG program truly meets students’ daily nutritional needs, is prepared hygienically, and is safe for consumption.
The Deputy Governor of Central Java, Taj Yasin, appealed to all managers of the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) kitchens in the Central Java region to always maintain the cleanliness and quality of the food that will be distributed.
“I appeal to all SPPGs in Central Java to maintain the cleanliness of their kitchens and the quality of the food that will be distributed to students,” said Taj Yasin.
Furthermore, Gus Yasin targeted the construction of three MBG kitchens in each district in Central Java, as a form of support from the central government. According to him, the selection of kitchens will be carried out selectively according to the provisions of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) to ensure the best quality.
“We are preparing it because this is handled by the National Nutrition Agency (BGN). In the provincial government, we propose 21 SPPGs, this program is already running and just needs to be continued,” he explained.
Full support for the quality of MBG food was also conveyed by Bambang Suryantoro Sudibyo (Head of Education and Culture of Batang Regency). He emphasized that teachers will first taste the MBG menu before it is distributed to students, as a form of commitment to maintaining food safety.
“Yes, to avoid risks, we require our teachers to taste the food before the MBG menu is distributed to students. The manager will provide samples for teachers to taste,” he said.
In addition, Bambang also encouraged managers or food vendors to be more careful and pay attention to children’s health. The local government is tightening supervision as evidence of seriousness in ensuring the quality and safety of MBG program food.
“We ask those in charge of cooking to pay attention to children’s health. What is clear is that with this program, we are tightening supervision of the MBG menu,” he said.
The government continues to improve the quality of the MBG program for the welfare and health of the nation’s next generation. With strong collaboration, Indonesia is ready to create a brighter future for children through proper and safe nutrition.
[edRW]
