Jakarta – The Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) is an important initiative in efforts to fulfill the community’s nutritional needs. The government conducts periodic evaluations to ensure that this program runs optimally and provides broad benefits. This was conveyed by a number of parties who considered that the success of the MBG program lies not only in the provision of nutritious food, but also in how to improve its quality and sustainability.
West Kalimantan Governor Ria Norsan emphasized that MBG not only serves to improve community nutrition, but also has a significant impact on the local economy.
“As an extension of the central government in the region, we are ready to support this program, especially since it concerns the interests of many people’s lives,” she said.
He expressed the importance of involving local farmers, livestock breeders, and MSMEs in providing the food needed to support the success of the MBG program. According to him, this program not only increases nutritional intake, but can also create a sustainable economy through the use of local products.
In addition, Deputy Tigor Pangaribuan also emphasized that the MBG program can encourage regional economic growth.
“The MBG program is a golden opportunity for local farmers, MSMEs, and livestock breeders to develop their businesses by increasing demand for local food ingredients,” he said.
Through synergy between local government and the community, this program is expected to provide a greater impact not only in terms of health but also in economic aspects.
On the other hand, in order to improve the quality of MBG services, Member of Commission E of the DKI Jakarta DPRD, Yudha Permana, proposed the construction of high-quality MBG kitchens in schools. Yudha proposed that MBG kitchens in schools be built to five-star standards, which can produce nutritious food of the best quality.
“We, the Gerindra Faction, propose building a MBG kitchen with catering or five-star hotel standards in the school canteen,” said Yudha.
According to him, this would be more efficient if it was built near schools, so that it could ensure more controlled food quality.
Yudha also suggested that the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government utilize the funds that have been prepared for MBG, around IDR 2.5 to 3 trillion, for the construction of kitchen infrastructure in schools.
“The savings are that if it is built in a school, firstly there are no rental fees and secondly the investment to build a kitchen in this school can be sustainable,” said Yudha.
With the existence of a kitchen that meets high standards in schools, it is expected that the quality of food served to students will improve, while also supporting the MBG program’s goal of creating a healthy and intelligent generation.
Through periodic evaluation and collaboration between various parties, it is hoped that the MBG program can provide maximum benefits in improving the quality of community nutrition, while simultaneously encouraging sustainable regional economic growth. [^]
