Government Rolls Out Free Healthy Meals for 3 Million People
- VIVA.co.id/Nur Faishal (Surabaya)
Jakarta, VIVA – Head of the National Nutrition Agency, Dadan Hindayana, announced that the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG), initiated by President Prabowo Subianto, was officially launched today (Monday, Jan 6).
According to Hindayana, the launch of the Free Nutritious Meal program is a continuation of a series of trials conducted in various regions.
If there are no changes to the plan, the program launch will proceed as scheduled.
Hindayana stated that in its initial phase, the program aims to reach approximately 3 million beneficiaries across Indonesia.
However, Hindayana hopes that by August 2025, the number of MBG beneficiaries will exceed 15 million.
"At least 15 million (people) starting in August (2025)," he remarked.
Previously, the national Free Nutritious Meal program, starting today, will target 26 provinces and involve 190 operational kitchens.
"After President Prabowo’s inauguration, we are initiating a major program—providing free nutritious meals to schoolchildren in stages," said the Head of the Presidential Communications Office, Hasan Nasbi, in a video statement on Sunday (Jan 5).
"This program will not only benefit schoolchildren but also pregnant women and toddlers," he explained.
Nasbi further elaborated that the inaugural Free Nutritious Meal program will operate through 190 nutrition service units (SPPG), equivalent to kitchen units. Each SPPG will be led by a delegate from the National Nutrition Agency.
"Based on information from the National Nutrition Agency, tomorrow 190 SPPGs or MBG kitchens will be operational. Each MBG kitchen will be led by one Indonesian development facilitator appointed directly by the National Nutrition Agency," he remarked.
Kondisi Dapur Kebayunan di Depok yang sediakan Makan Bergizi Gratis
- VIVA.co.id/Rinna Purnama (Depok)
Each kitchen unit will also be staffed with a nutritionist and an accountant to ensure the Free Nutritious Meal program runs according to procedure and remains accountable.
"In addition, every MBG kitchen will have one nutritionist to ensure proper nutrition and one accountant to guarantee financial accountability and compliance with procedures," he emphasized.
These hundreds of kitchen units will not only focus on meal preparation but also on food waste management. By the end of the year, the target is to have 5,000 operational SPPGs.
"These 190 MBG kitchens are spread across 26 provinces. The management doesn’t just involve supply chain matters but also emphasizes food cleanliness, hygiene, and waste management, including leftover food and kitchen waste," he concluded.
