"We have managed to set up 10,012 SPPGs. Our initial target was to develop 10 thousand MBG kitchens by the end of September. Hence, the current number exceeds our goal by 12," he remarked during a meeting with the House of Representatives (DPR).
Addressing Commission XI at the Parliamentary Complex in Jakarta on Wednesday, Hindayana noted that the growing number of SPPGs had also raised the absorption of the MBG budget.
"The amount of budget absorbed increases by Rp900 million to Rp1 billion (around US$60 thousand) with each SPPG constructed," he explained, adding that BGN is expected to spend an additional Rp5 trillion (about US$300 million) on SPPGs in the next five days.
Earlier, on September 18, Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian announced that 141 task forces had been established to accelerate MBG kitchen construction, especially in underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost (3T) regions.
"There are 141 district task forces focusing on facilitating the development of SPPGs in 3T areas, including preparing potential land in collaboration with local governments or other partners," he stated.
Karnavian emphasized that the task forces’ main duty is to scout and propose potential construction sites for MBG kitchens in remote 3T regions, often located deep in forests or far from major islands.
According to him, the Ministry of Public Works has agreed to carry out SPPG construction, while the Home Affairs Ministry is responsible for preparing the land.
"The Public Works Ministry is set to build SPPGs in 264 out of 806 locations that have been deemed feasible. Meanwhile, the task of constructing kitchens in the remaining 542 sites is delegated to the BGN. It is possible to partner with local governments or other stakeholders," he elaborated.
He reaffirmed his ministry's commitment to the program and underlined the importance of the BGN setting standards for all MBG processes, including the recruitment of SPPG workers.
Meanwhile, BGN Head Hindayana said his agency had been working with local governments, the military, Muhammadiyah, and business associations to expand MBG coverage in 3T areas.
The officials delivered their remarks at the signing of an agreement between the BGN and the Public Works Ministry.
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Translator: Tri M, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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