"We want children residing in 3T regions to have the same right to access nutritious meals at school every day. Thus, I propose establishing MBG kitchens in schools situated in remote areas," said Lalu Hadrian Irfani, Deputy Chairman of Commission X at the House of Representatives (DPR).
In a statement cited in Jakarta on Friday, he underscored that equipping schools with special kitchens is essential to ensure the MBG program fulfills its goal of improving the nutritional intake of all schoolchildren across the country.
Backing his proposal, the legislator argued that such kitchens are especially needed in areas inaccessible to nutrition fulfillment service units (SPPGs) — the central kitchens officially designed to produce and distribute MBG meals.
He also suggested that schools partner with local residents to manage the kitchens to broaden the program’s benefits beyond nutrition.
"This way, the school kitchens can also serve as a platform for nutritional and character education," Irfani said, adding that the initiative could also help stimulate local economies.
The lawmaker also emphasized the importance of ensuring that the kitchens comply with standards set by the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) and prioritize locally sourced ingredients.
"Establishing school kitchens is a concrete step towards ensuring that all children benefit from the program," he said.
Primary and Secondary Education Minister Abdul Mu'ti said on October 7 that the government is considering allowing schools to independently operate MBG kitchens.
"The mechanism is still under deliberations by ministries and will be decided once a presidential regulation on MBG governance has been issued," he noted.
As one of President Prabowo Subianto's flagship programs, MBG has provided meals for over 34 million schoolchildren, breastfeeding mothers, pregnant women, and toddlers nationwide since its launch in January 2025.
This achievement has been supported by around 12,000 SPPGs, with the number expected to continue growing to meet this year’s target of 83 million recipients.
To accelerate expansion in 3T regions, the government has set up 141 local task forces to fast-track SPPG development, as announced by Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian in September.
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Translator: Tri M, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Anton Santoso
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