Batam, Riau Islands (ANTARA) - Indonesia's Minister for Population and Family Development, Wihaji, praised the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program in Riau Islands, highlighting its effective delivery through integrated community health posts to prevent stunting.

Field monitoring, he said, shows the program's delivery through integrated community health posts (posyandu) aligns with its stunting-prevention goals.

"I checked the site and everything looked good. The kitchens are clean, the food is prepared properly, and the meals reach the on-target beneficiaries," Wihaji said here on Friday.

The government's MBG program aims to combat stunting and improve human resource quality. As of October 21, it has reached 36.7 million people.

During his visit to Tanjungpinang, Penyengat Island, and Batam, Wihaji reviewed several ongoing family programs. At one kitchen serving 3,500 recipients, 198 beneficiaries belonged to the 3B group (pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and non-preschool toddlers).

"All were appropriately targeted," he said, confirming the program is reaching the intended priority groups.

In Batam, Wihaji met Family Planning Mentors (PKB), Field Officers (PLKB), and local cadres, and discussed MBG distribution with posyandu workers directly involved in the program.

One cadre, Nora, said she earns around Rp1 million (over US$60) per month for distributing over 200 meal containers, receiving Rp1,000 per container.

Wihaji confirmed all cadres have received their MBG incentives and said the ministry plans to propose increasing payments to Rp2,500 per meal container, which would be funded by local MBG implementers.

After two days of supervision, Wihaji reported no major issues, noting that the program's success depends not only on food distribution but also on active cadre participation in reaching priority groups.

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Translator: Nadja, Kenzu
Editor: Anton Santoso
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