BGN ensures optimal supply chain for nutritious food ingredients for MBG programme in Kepri

Batam (ANTARA) - The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has ensured that the supply chain for food ingredients for the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme in Riau Islands province is running optimally.

Deputy Head of BGN for Operational Nutrition Fulfilment, Sony Sonjaya, emphasised that all involved parties are programme implementers with shared responsibility in achieving the MBG objectives.

“We are all implementers; let us focus on the main goal of the MBG programme, which is to provide nutritional intake to vulnerable groups, such as toddlers and students,” he stated during a consolidation meeting with implementing units, partners, and foundations in the region in Batam on Thursday.

“This programme not only provides nutritional benefits but also stimulates the regional economy through strengthening the food supply chain,” he added.

In Kepri, Sony said, the MBG programme is currently supported by 230 Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG), 9,044 volunteers, and 509 suppliers.

As of 31 March 2026, the realisation of MBG beneficiaries in Kepri has reached 579,270 people, or about 85.26 per cent of the target.

Of that number, Batam City is the area with the highest achievement, with 135 MBG kitchens serving 394,060 beneficiaries.

Sony stressed the importance of strengthening the supply chain, particularly to ensure the availability of food ingredients like rice that are needed routinely.

“The MBG task force at the regency/city level must focus on preparing the supply chain to keep food needs stable. For example, rice and eggs that must be prepared routinely. With 200 kitchens, the egg requirement might be 120,000 units per day for one province,” he said.

He reminded all partners not to commit deviations in programme implementation. “We emphasise that there must be no price markups or reductions in food quality. The funds received must be well accounted for, as this concerns public interest,” he added.

Meanwhile, Deputy Governor of Riau Islands, Nyanyang Haris Pratamura, assessed that the success of the MBG programme requires solid cross-sector collaboration.

“The implementation of this programme cannot run on its own; it needs collaboration from all parties. This forum serves as a space for evaluation and future improvements,” he said.

Regarding the impact of the MBG programme in the province, Deputy Governor Nyanyang appreciated all lines involved in successfully delivering the service. “This achievement deserves appreciation, as the MBG programme has provided positive impacts, especially in improving children’s nutritional intake and supporting learning concentration,” he said.