BGN Strengthens Protection for SPPG Workers in Papua

Cross-sector collaboration is a joint step to ensure that all MBG services operate according to food safety and occupational safety standards. Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) continues to strengthen food safety governance and protection for workers in Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG) to support the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme in Papua. This commitment was affirmed at the Coordination Meeting to Accelerate Certification of Food Safety Standards and Increase BPJS Employment Insurance Participation for SPPG across Papua Province, held in Jayapura on Thursday (30/4). “We are committed to continuously improving and strengthening food safety governance, as well as encouraging every worker involved in the MBG programme to receive protection,” said Ranto, Director of Regional Provision and Distribution III at BGN, in an official statement in Jakarta on Friday. BGN also requested commitments from all partners to register their workers with BPJS Employment Insurance as a form of protection for volunteers and SPPG workers. Meanwhile, Jimmy, Head of the Jayapura Nutrition Fulfilment Service Office (KPPG), emphasised that synergy among all stakeholders is key to maintaining the quality of MBG services in Papua. He stated that there are currently 81 operational SPPG in Papua Province, with 79 of them holding Hygiene Sanitation Fitness Certificates (SLHS). According to Jimmy, this achievement demonstrates the strong commitment of all MBG kitchen managers in Papua to provide healthy and clean kitchens for beneficiary communities. “In the future, we hope that all SPPG in Papua can promptly complete the certifications still in process so that the quality of MBG services is more optimal,” said Jimmy. “Supervision is carried out from the construction stage, starting from site feasibility, kitchen building, to manager readiness. The Health Office also encourages all SPPG to promptly complete the requirements for Hygiene Sanitation Fitness Certificates (SLHS) as an important part of ensuring food safety,” said Ferry Maitindom, Head of the Work Environment Health and Sports Section at the Papua Provincial Health Office. In addition to discussing food safety aspects, the coordination meeting also highlighted the importance of protection for SPPG volunteers through participation in BPJS Employment Insurance. BPJS Employment Insurance records that, out of 81 SPPG in Papua, only 37 have been registered. Therefore, BGN continues to push for accelerated participation of all volunteers to obtain optimal work protection.