Jakarta – The government has ensured that the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program is running under strict supervision to ensure the safety, cleanliness, and suitability of the food provided to the public, especially students.
Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian emphasized that every kitchen participating in the MBG program must have a Certificate of Hygiene and Sanitation (SLHS) and meet established hygiene standards. He asked regional heads to ensure all MBG kitchens in their areas operate according to standards.
“Supervision of the issuance of hygiene and sanitation certificates must be carried out meticulously. We must not allow any unsuitable kitchens to slip through the cracks,” Tito emphasized.
He also emphasized the importance of the regional Health Office’s active role in the oversight process, from kitchen hygiene inspections to food quality assessments.
“The Health Office must be fully involved, especially in ensuring that MBG kitchens meet health and hygiene standards,” he added.
Tito also highlighted the readiness of the School Health Unit (UKS) to ensure that the food distributed to students is truly fit for consumption and not spoiled.
Furthermore, Tito encouraged close collaboration between local governments and the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), especially in remote areas. He believed that synergy between the central and regional governments is key to ensuring the optimal implementation of the MBG program and providing tangible benefits to the community.
Meanwhile, the Riau Regional Police (Polda) are strengthening oversight by inaugurating the ninth Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) under the MBG Program. Riau Police Chief, Inspector General Herry Heryawan, revealed that there are currently fifteen Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) under the supervision of the Riau Police, spread across various regions.
“Today we are inaugurating the ninth SPPG, followed by the inauguration of the tenth of the fifteen prepared points tomorrow morning. The other five points will be operational soon,” said Herry.
He emphasized that the implementation of the free nutritious meal program, a program of President Prabowo Subianto, is strictly monitored to prevent health problems.
“This program is monitored jointly to ensure that there are no incidents such as poisoning or health problems affecting beneficiaries,” he said.
Herry explained that every stage of the MBG program is strictly monitored, from the selection of food ingredients and processing to the distribution stage to schools.
“Even during the food distribution process to schools, we assign Bhabinkamtibmas (Community Police Officers) to assist to ensure security and order,” he explained.
He also mentioned that each MBG kitchen is equipped with CCTV and a food security system to ensure every stage of food processing is safe and hygienic.
According to Herry, the total number of beneficiaries of the MBG program in the Riau Regional Police area has reached 3,000 students, and that number will continue to grow as kitchen capacity increases and service areas expand.
“The number of beneficiaries will continue to increase as a form of support for the central government’s efforts to meet children’s nutritional needs,” he concluded.
