Jakarta – The government continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to improving the quality of human resources in Indonesia through the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program, which emphasizes national hygienic standards. This program is not only aimed at addressing nutritional problems and stunting but also serves as a significant milestone in shaping a healthy, strong, and productive younger generation.
The Chief of the Indonesian National Police, General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, ensured the readiness of the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) of the South Sulawesi Police (Polda Sulsel) to support the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program, which is also a flagship initiative of President Prabowo Subianto.
“I personally checked the preparedness, from washing areas, storage, cooking spaces, to packing and finally preparations for distribution,” said Sigit.
Sigit urged all officers to conduct regular evaluations and ensure food safety before distribution.
“I always remind them to evaluate, including what we checked earlier, before distribution, we must ensure food security because it’s crucial, and continuously make improvements so that this SPPG can work at its maximum,” added Sigit.
According to Sigit, these efforts are essential to ensure that students benefiting from the MBG program can genuinely experience its benefits.
“This way, they can become excellent human resources to fill the readiness towards a Forward Indonesia and realize the Vision of Indonesia Gold 2045,” Sigit explained.
Sigit further explained that the SPPG would be tasked with providing nutritious meals to 3,376 students from 16 schools in the surrounding area. He also mentioned that a fish farming pond would be built next to the SPPG to support the provision of nutritious meals. The aquaculture initiative is expected to help supply protein for the MBG program.
“Earlier, an additional fish farming initiative next to the SPPG was planned. I think this will complement the needs related to the dishes required by the SPPG,” Sigit added.
Sigit stated that the police have built around 18 SPPGs so far, with 39 more in the process of being established. The police plan to construct a total of 100 SPPGs by the end of 2025.
“Of course, our hope is that this program can support what President’s policy is related to the free nutritious meal program,” concluded Sigit.
Meanwhile, the Head of BPOM, Taruna Ikrar, emphasized their commitment to ensuring hygienic standards and conducting comprehensive evaluations of the MBG kitchens as an urgent measure to prevent food poisoning incidents from recurring.
“We are committed to assisting kitchen staff in ensuring that food safety standards are better guaranteed,” said Taruna.
The MBG program is not just a short-term solution to hunger and malnutrition but also a long-term national investment to build a healthier and smarter generation. The government hopes that with the success of implementing these hygienic standards, MBG can become a model for sustainable public policy that can be replicated across other social service sectors.
With strict hygienic standards, measurable nutritional quality, and robust cross-sector support, MBG proves that the government is fully committed to creating a healthier future for all Indonesian children.
