Population and Family Development Deputy Minister Ratu Ayu Isyana Bagoes Oka said her office has been tasked with focusing on these recipient groups in collaboration with the National Nutrition Agency (BGN).
During a work visit to Muara Enim District, South Sumatra, on Tuesday, she emphasized that the ministry has devised strategies to reduce the risk of food degradation to ensure the smooth distribution of nutritious meals.
“Meals scheduled for morning distribution should be cooked that morning. Likewise, meals for afternoon distribution should be prepared that afternoon. This approach is important to avoid potential problems,” Oka pointed out.
The deputy minister added that her side has also compiled valid family data to identify those with children at risk of stunting, placing them as priority beneficiaries.
Assessing progress in Muara Enim, Oka observed the national flagship program has been running in line with the government’s food quality and safety standards.
“Menus served for pregnant women and toddlers offer extra protein and include milk, rice, and vegetables. In other words, the meals are nutritionally adequate,” she stated.
Oka expressed hope that the MBG program will contribute to producing a generation of high-quality and competitive human resources to help achieve the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision.
President Prabowo Subianto earlier this month reported that since its launch on January 6 this year, the MBG program has reached around 49 million schoolchildren, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers.
This progress has been supported by more than 15,300 MBG kitchens and over 42,000 family planning workers nationwide.
Population and Family Development Minister Wihaji said President Prabowo has announced plans to provide motorcycles to those workers to acknowledge their contribution and help them deliver free meals more easily.
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Translator: M. Imam, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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