{
    "success": true,
    "data": {
        "id": 1685720,
        "msgid": "minister-urges-sppgs-to-prioritise-nutrition-in-free-meals-programme-1776509460",
        "date": "2026-04-18 17:21:58",
        "title": "Minister urges SPPGs to prioritise nutrition in free meals programme",
        "author": "",
        "source": "ANTARA_EN",
        "tags": "",
        "topic": "Social Policy",
        "summary": "Indonesia's Minister has urged the heads of SPPGs, responsible for preparing meals under the government's free meals programme (MBG), to prioritise nutrition and quality over profit, viewing it as a mission to advance national civilisation and improve human resources from an early age. The programme, launched in early 2025, targets 82.9 million beneficiaries including children, pregnant women, and students, with plans to expand to older adults and persons with disabilities, and currently operates through 26,489 SPPGs nationwide. Emphasising integrity and effective distribution, the initiative aims to enhance physical and cognitive development to boost Indonesia's global competitiveness.",
        "content": "<p>\u201cThe nutritious meals program is not just a business matter, we are\ncarrying a mission to advance Indonesian civilization,\u201d he said after\nattending a dialogue with SPPG heads and MBG partners in Banyumas\nDistrict, Central Java, on Saturday.<\/p>\n<p>He said the free meals program is part of the government\u2019s strategic\neffort to improve the quality of human resources from an early age.<\/p>\n<p>According to Hasan, proper nutrition has a direct impact on\nchildren\u2019s physical and cognitive development.<\/p>\n<p>He added that a healthy and capable younger generation is key for\nIndonesia to compete globally amid increasingly intense competition.<\/p>\n<p>He also stressed that SPPGs, as entities responsible for preparing\nand distributing meals under the MBG program, should be seen as a vital\ninstrument in national development.<\/p>\n<p>While acknowledging that profit remains a factor in operations, Hasan\nemphasized that it is not the primary objective.<\/p>\n<p>He said the sustainability of the program depends on the commitment\nof its managers to maintaining service quality and ensuring meals are\ndistributed effectively and on target.<\/p>\n<p>During the event, Hasan also highlighted the importance of integrity\nand professionalism in managing SPPGs.<\/p>\n<p>He urged all stakeholders to carry out their duties responsibly,\nnoting that the program plays a crucial role in shaping the future of\nthe nation\u2019s next generation.<\/p>\n<p>Targeting 82.9 million beneficiaries nationwide, the MBG program was\nlaunched in early 2025 to improve the nutritional status of children\nunder five, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and school students\nup to high school level.<\/p>\n<p>The government is also working to expand the program this year to\ninclude older adults and persons with disabilities.<\/p>\n<p>According to data from the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), as of\nApril 18, 2026, the number of operational SPPGs nationwide has reached\n26,489.<\/p>\n<p>Related news: Prabowo orders quality boost for free nutrition\nprogram<\/p>\n<p>Related news: Free meals program aims to change people\u2019s mindsets on\nnutrition: BGN<\/p>\n<p>Translator: Sumarwoto, Raka Adji<\/p>",
        "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/minister-urges-sppgs-to-prioritise-nutrition-in-free-meals-programme-1776509460",
        "image": ""
    },
    "sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
    "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}