"The president ordered us to utilize the regional budget intended for the MBG program to be used for improving school facilities," he stated in a Working Meeting held by Commission II of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) on Monday.
According to Karnavian, the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has handled the procurement of meals for the MBG program.
The president emphasized that implementation of the MBG program must not overlook school facilities and infrastructure, which are also critical for supporting teaching and learning activities, the minister stated.
He highlighted that Prabowo also paid significant attention to improving toilet facilities across schools nationwide.
"This has caught our attention. Toilet facilities for all schools must be proper," he emphasized.
Karnavian mentioned discussions with BGN Head Dadan Hindayana regarding the regional budget allocation to support the MBG program.
He revealed that Hindayana had requested two points from the regional government.
"Regions can become partners to prepare the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG/public kitchen) and intensify supplies to provide food ingredients needed for the program, such as from livestock, agriculture, and plantation," Karnavian noted.
The minister believes that regional participation in the MBG program will also stimulate a circular economy.
Lastly, he reiterated that no regional budget should be allocated for the MBG program itself.
"It should be used to improve school facilities," he emphasized.
The MBG program, initiated by President Prabowo Subianto, is currently operational in 31 provinces, supported by 238 public kitchens serving around 650 thousand children, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers.
The government officially launched the program on January 6, 2025, with a budget of Rp71 trillion (around US$4.35 billion).
The program aims to achieve four objectives: preparing superior resources, lowering stunting rates, alleviating poverty, and fostering community economic growth to achieve the vision of Golden Indonesia 2045.
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Translator: Melalusa Susthira, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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