This large-scale deployment is intended to mentor, train, and teach staff better, more hygienic and professional cooking methods to improve the quality of the Free Nutritious Meals.
"These highly professional chefs will be deployed to various regions in Indonesia, starting this Monday (October 13)," BGN Head Dadan Hindayana confirmed on Friday.
Hindayana also praised the chefs for participating in this national priority program aimed at boosting child nutrition.
The chefs, who are members of the Indonesian Chef Association (ICA), acknowledged BGN's efforts in establishing 10,765 operational public kitchens, locally known as Nutritional Fulfillment Service Units (SPPGs), but expressed empathy regarding the recent food safety incidents.
ICA Chairman Susanto stated their commitment.
"ICA shares this empathy, and is committed to providing full support for the continuity of the noble MBG Program for Indonesian children."
"We are fully committed to supporting the sustainability and smooth operation of the MBG program," he confirmed.
Leveraging its experienced national and international membership, the ICA has offered to directly provide training, mentoring, technical guidance, and certification to SPPGs nationwide.
Susanto concluded, "Through solid collaboration, ICA hopes to play an active role as a strategic partner and become a real and sustainable solution."
While intended to combat malnutrition and support development, the free meal program has recently been overshadowed by a series of severe food poisoning incidents that have led to nationwide alarm and immediate government intervention.
These failures have spotlighted significant lapses in hygiene, quality control, and the professional management of food preparation at the local kitchen level.
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Translator: Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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