Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto emphasized the government’s seriousness in implementing the Free Nutritious Meals Program (MBG) so that it can reach all levels of society, including those in remote areas.
To date, the program has benefited around 20 million recipients.
“This morning, I received a report that 20 million schoolchildren, pre-school children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers are receiving free nutritious meals every day. Our target is to have 82.9 million people receiving free nutritious meals by the end of this year. Thank you, the National Nutrition Agency,” the President said in his speech.
He explained that by the end of the year, the government is targeting the establishment of 32 thousand Nutrition Service Center (SPPG) kitchens in all provinces.
“Free Nutritious Meals is not just a social program, but a foundation for creating a healthy, intelligent, and productive generation. The UN has stated that Free Nutritious Meals is a nation’s best investment,” he stressed.
The President also stated that currently 5,800 MBG kitchens are operating in 38 provinces.
From this kitchen, 290 thousand new jobs were created, while also involving one million farmers, fishermen, livestock breeders, and MSMEs.
Support for the MBG program also came from the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI). Commission IX member Tubagus Haerul Jaman emphasized the parliament’s commitment to overseeing the implementation of the MBG throughout the region.
“This program not only addresses health issues but also determines the future of our generation. Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives is committed to overseeing its implementation, including in Serang City, so that children grow into a resilient generation, moving towards a Golden Indonesia,” he said.
At the regional level, the Banten Provincial Government has established an information and coordination center to oversee the implementation of the MBG in eight regencies/cities. Banten Governor Andra Soni considered this step crucial for the optimal implementation of the President’s program.
“We’re doing this as an initiative to ensure the President’s programs run optimally. So, if any issues arise, they can be monitored through the information and coordination center,” said Andra.
He explained that there are 2.9 million students in Banten who are beneficiaries of MBG.
This information center, he continued, will be located in the State Building or the Governor’s official residence, and will serve as a forum for discussing opportunities to build SPPGs from regional assets.
“We will evaluate and correct any missing information regarding the MBG. Essentially, we are ready to oversee the President’s program closely,” Andra emphasized.
