Banten Provincial Government intensifies optimisation of SPPG to broaden MBG coverage

Serang – The Government of the Province of Banten is intensifying the optimisation of the role of the Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG) to broaden the reach of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme for the target groups of pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and toddlers (3B). The Secretary to the Banten Provincial Government, Deden Apriandhi, in Serang on Thursday, explained that strengthening the SPPG is key to ensuring that nutrition for the population is distributed evenly and targeted across all areas of Banten. ‘Of the 1,081 SPPG units that have been formed, only 258 units are currently serving the MBG 3B category. Therefore, we push for additional and optimised roles so that the coverage of services continues to increase,’ he said. Deden, who is also the Chair of the MBG Task Force for Banten Province, emphasised that this programme is not merely short-term food aid, but a strategic investment in human development towards Indonesia Emas 2045. Based on 2025 data, the priority targets in Banten include 38,534 pregnant women, 14,114 postnatal mothers, and 60,768 children under two years old (baduta). Deden stressed the importance of data accuracy and a clear distribution mechanism so that the programme’s acceleration runs optimally. ‘The Banten Provincial Government together with Kemendukbangga/BKKBN and all cross-sector partners continues to synergise to accelerate through consolidation and collaboration,’ he added. Meanwhile, Acting Deputy for Community Mobilisation and Participation at Kemendukbangga/BKKBN, Wahyuniati, stated that the MBG 3B programme will be delivered directly to target families through a daily distribution mechanism. ‘In addition to the provision of food, there is a routine monthly education process on parenting and healthy living behaviours, including encouragement for pregnant women to regularly check their health for optimal foetal growth,’ Wahyuniati said.