Natuna (ANTARA) - Indonesia's National Nutrition Agency (BGN) reported that 37,997 people in Karimun, Riau Islands, have benefited from the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program as of the first week of September.

The beneficiaries include schoolchildren, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers, according to BGN Coordinator for Karimun District, Anas Fitrawanda, on Saturday.

He said the achievement was supported by 13 MBG kitchens, officially called Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPGs), operating across five sub-districts.

The establishment of these kitchens in an archipelagic district reflects the government's commitment to advancing the MBG program as a strategic effort to nurture a golden generation, Fitrawanda said.

Each SPPG is run by a chief and supported by nutritionists, accountants, and volunteers. Although volunteers receive incentives, Fitrawanda noted, they play a key role in preparing, packaging, and distributing meals, while also maintaining hygiene standards.

He added that the program in Karimun had not faced major challenges, with all food materials accessible and safe for consumption.

President Prabowo Subianto previously announced that the MBG program had reached about 21 million beneficiaries nationwide as of August, moving closer to this year's target of 82.9 million recipients.

To sustain the initiative, the government has earmarked Rp335 trillion (around US$20.37 billion) in the 2026 draft state budget.

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Translator: Muhammad N, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Anton Santoso
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