Speaking in Manokwari, West Papua, on Thursday, BGN’s representative for the province, Erika Vionita, highlighted that only three districts have formed such task forces so far: Teluk Bintuni, Kaimana, and Fakfak.
“As for the other districts like Manokwari, South Manokwari, Pegunungan Arfak, and Teluk Wondama, none has formed such a task force,” she noted, adding that even the West Papua provincial government has yet to establish the task force.
She emphasized that the Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a circular letter instructing provincial, district, and municipal administrations to set up special task forces to ensure that the national program runs optimally nationwide.
“We at the BGN have been tasked with encouraging all districts in West Papua to immediately establish task forces. I am scheduled to meet with the deputy district head of Manokwari today (Thursday),” she said.
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According to Vionita, the main duty of the task forces is to monitor the program’s implementation in schools. They are also expected to help track non-student beneficiaries, such as pregnant women and toddlers.
She added that while MBG still has room for improvement, the program has so far drawn positive reactions from beneficiaries.
“In fact, those serving as dishwashers under the program often receive letters of gratitude or requests for menus from students,” she informed.
Meanwhile, Deputy Head of Manokwari District Mugiyono highlighted the strong enthusiasm from the private sector in helping manage kitchens for the program, which are officially called nutrition fulfillment service units (SPPGs).
He said Manokwari requires 19 SPPGs, but it currently has just nine. With that in mind, the BGN has begun preparations for the development of three more SPPGs in the district to broaden the program’s coverage.
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Translator: Ali N, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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