Bengkulu Provincial Government Commits to Overseeing Free Nutritious Meals Programme for Targeted Impact

The Provincial Government of Bengkulu is committed to overseeing the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Programme to ensure it is well-targeted and has a tangible impact on improving the quality of human resources in the region. “It is important for all of us to realise that a healthy and nutritious diet greatly influences the health of individuals, especially children as the nation’s future generation,” said R.A. Denni, Assistant II for Economic Affairs and Development of the Regional Secretariat of Bengkulu Province, in Bengkulu on Tuesday. Denni stated that the Free Nutritious Meals Programme is one of the national strategic programmes that requires the support and synergy of all stakeholders, from local governments to implementing partners on the ground at the grassroots level. According to him, the programme’s success is determined not only by the distribution of food to beneficiaries but also by service quality, inter-agency coordination, and compliance with the operational standards set by the National Nutrition Agency (BGN). He invited all involved parties, from the Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG), regional coordinators, area coordinators, sub-district coordinators, foundations, to kitchen partners, to strengthen collaboration in ensuring the success of the MBG implementation. “All of you are one inseparable team. Therefore, I invite everyone to build togetherness to sharpen, care for, and nurture one another for the success of this programme,” Denni said. The Bengkulu Provincial Government stated it will continue to synergise with the National Nutrition Agency and all implementing partners to ensure the Free Nutritious Meals Programme runs smoothly, is well-targeted, and provides benefits for improving the quality of the younger generation in Bengkulu Province. Meanwhile, SPPG Regional Coordinator for Bengkulu Province Iqbal Ramadhan emphasised the importance of good communication between partners and SPPG heads so that the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals Programme complies with the National Nutrition Agency’s operational standards. He also requested that all partner foundations and SPPG heads jointly supervise the quality of raw materials used to ensure the food served meets nutritional standards for the beneficiaries. “Raw materials must be of good quality to guarantee the nutrition of our children,” Iqbal said.