Johansyah, the province’s deputy for economic and development affairs, said the centers, known as SPPG, are expected to reach more than one million recipients, including schoolchildren, toddlers and pregnant women.
He said each district has set up kitchens and preparations are being monitored by provincial and local task forces.
Of the 250 planned sites, Batang Hari will open 23 centers, Bungo 25, Kerinci 19, Merangin 27, Muaro Jambi 32, Sarolangun 23, Tanjung Jabung Barat 22, Tanjung Jabung Timur 5, Tebo 22, Jambi city 45 and Sungai Penuh 7.
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The province ultimately plans 389 centers but remains short of 87 kitchens. Johansyah said local authorities are urging private businesses to help build them.
To accelerate construction, the provincial government and local SPPG leaders have prepared public land for new facilities, funded entirely by the National Nutrition Agency. Of 56 proposed plots, only 21 met the size standard of 800 to 1,000 square meters.
Currently, 22 centers are operating, including 12 in Jambi City, six in Tanjung Jabung Timur, and one each in Muaro Jambi, Tanjung Jabung Barat and Sungai Penuh. Another 17 are ready to open in September, with six in Jambi City, two in Sungai Penuh, two in Batang Hari and four in Kerinci.
Johansyah said the Interior Ministry has pressed regional governments to provide suitable land, with all construction costs covered by the national agency. He added that meeting the October target would demonstrate Jambi’s readiness to implement the national meal program.
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Translator: Agus S, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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