Usually, regional leaders are not profit-oriented. For them, this program is primarily aimed at reducing stunting, which is already part of their targets,
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian has signed a Joint Decree (SKB) with Minister of Public Works Dody Hanggodo and Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Dadan Hindayana to establish nutrition-fulfillment service units (SPPG) across multiple regions.

The decree supports the acceleration of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program in underdeveloped, remote, and frontier areas.

Speaking in Jakarta on Friday, Tito said regional governments—including those in 3T areas—are encouraged to form Task Forces for the Acceleration of the MBG Program. So far, 141 regional governments have created such task forces.

“The main duty of these task forces is facilitation, such as preparing land or SPPG units, either by the regional government or its partners, and then submitting proposals for the designated locations,” Tito explained.

He noted that regional governments have shown strong enthusiasm, particularly for developing SPPG facilities, as the benefits are felt directly by the community.

“Usually, regional leaders are not profit-oriented. For them, this program is primarily aimed at reducing stunting, which is already part of their targets,” he said.

The program also benefits local economies by creating jobs, boosting money circulation, reducing poverty, and supporting local food production. “Fish, vegetables, and other local produce can all be absorbed through this program,” Tito added.

He expressed hope that with the signing of the decree, implementation of the MBG program will accelerate to meet the President’s targets.

Meanwhile, BGN Head Dadan Hindayana highlighted the importance of speeding up SPPG development to expand access to proper nutrition, especially in remote areas.

“The establishment of SPPG units is crucial because they serve as the budget absorption mechanism of the Nutrition Agency. Each new SPPG unit absorbs around one billion rupiah per month,” Dadan said.

He also praised the support from the Ministers of Home Affairs and Public Works, calling it key to accelerating the MBG program.

According to Dadan, the MBG initiative is the government’s largest investment in improving the quality of human resources.

Launched on January 6 as one of President Prabowo Subianto’s flagship programs, MBG has reached more than 20 million citizens nationwide through nearly six thousand operational SPPGs.

Besides school-age children, the program also serves pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers. The President aims for MBG to reach at least 82.9 million beneficiaries by the end of 2025.



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Translator: Fianda Sjofjan Rassat, Primayanti
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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