BGN Chief Sudaryono said underdeveloped, frontier and outermost regions would be prioritized as the government expands its Free Nutritious Meals program.
“The areas most in need are the 3T regions, so we will prioritize them for activation this September, God willing,” Sudaryono told reporters in Jakarta on Wednesday.
The kitchens are located in Papua, Maluku, North Maluku, East Nusa Tenggara and West Nusa Tenggara, among other areas.
Completed kitchens will not automatically begin operating, as BGN will first ensure governance systems and beneficiary data are ready, Sudaryono said.
Before activation, BGN will verify beneficiaries by name and address, clarify incentives, ensure compliance with standard operating procedures and fulfill other requirements, he said.
The agency is also preparing regulations for the program in underdeveloped, frontier and outermost (3T) regions, including provisions on governance and sanctions.
“Why aren't they being opened now? Because we first want to make sure the governance is in order,” he said.
BGN will prioritize completed kitchens that have met all requirements, including signing cooperation agreements, Sudaryono said.
He also urged partners recently allocated SPPG sites but yet to finish construction to wait until mapping and priority-setting are completed.
“We will ensure that the units activated are completed and fully ready,” he said.
Beyond 3T regions, BGN will map other areas where schools and beneficiaries have yet to receive free nutritious meals.
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Translator: Aria Ananda, Kuntum Khaira
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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