Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's National Nutrition Agency (BGN) will allocate a monthly budget of Rp25 trillion (approximately US$1.47 billion) starting in September to meet its target of providing free meals to 82.9 million beneficiaries by the end of this year.

The announcement was made by BGN Head Dadan Hindayana during a national discussion held in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Hindayana also stated that BGN aims to establish 7,000 Nutritional Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) by August. These units will utilize around Rp7 trillion per month to prepare meals under the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program.

He emphasized that the success of the program depends on three main factors: budget, human resources, and infrastructure.

"For human resources, Indonesian Development Datalysts Graduates (SPPI) have been prepared. They are top graduates who undergo a special 3–4 month training program," he explained.

In terms of infrastructure, the SPPG units have been fully established through partnerships with micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The government officially launched the MBG program on January 6, aiming to improve the nutritional intake of children under five, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and students up to the high school level.

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Translator: Lintang Budiyanti, Raka Adji
Editor: Anton Santoso
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