"It is vital that all involved parties, from the Nutritional Fulfillment Service Units (SPPGs) and partners to the task forces, share a common understanding," BGN Deputy Head Sony Sonjaya said in Bandar Lampung, Lampung, on Saturday.
He noted that approximately 1,000 SPPGs or MBG kitchens have already been established in Lampung.
This represents significant potential that must be managed through an integrated approach, particularly in meeting the daily supply chain requirements for food materials.
According to him, Lampung has an abundant supply of bananas, but still needs to secure the availability of eggs and meat within the region.
"If the basic materials are still sourced from outside the province, then the central government’s budget allocation, which should be circulating within Lampung, will instead flow to other regions," he explained.
Sonjaya underscored that the primary goal of the MBG program is not only to improve public nutrition but also to drive local economic growth by absorbing products from local farmers and livestock breeders.
He highlighted the role of local governments in supervising SPPGs' operations, particularly regarding waste management and potential environmental pollution.
Sonjaya emphasized that every MBG kitchen is required to hold a Hygiene and Sanitation Certificate (SLHS) issued by the local health office, which begins with an inspection process to ensure that hygiene and sanitation standards are met.
He expressed his hope that the presence of MBG kitchens would not create new issues, such as environmental pollution, emphasizing that the management of food waste and other waste must be taken seriously.
Targeting 82.9 million beneficiaries nationwide, the MBG program was launched by the Indonesian government on January 6, 2025, aimed at improving the nutritional status of children under five, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and schoolchildren up to the high school level.
The government is planning to expand the program to cover older adults and people with disabilities this year.
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Translator: Dian Hadiyatna, Raka Adji
Editor: Arie Novarina
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