BKKBN Maluku Oversees Targeted MBG Programme to Prevent Stunting in West Seram

Ambon (ANTARA) - The Maluku Provincial Office of the National Population and Family Planning Board (BKKBN) is overseeing the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme to ensure it is targeted effectively in efforts to prevent stunting in West Seram Regency. The Head of the Maluku Provincial BKKBN Office, Mauliwaty Bulo, in West Seram on Saturday, stated that this visit is part of BKKBN’s monitoring steps to ensure the MBG distribution runs effectively, particularly for vulnerable groups that are prioritised in stunting reduction interventions. “We conducted a direct inspection at the Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG) kitchen of the Al-Barqah Nahdliyin Foundation in Waimital Village, Kairatu Subdistrict,” she said. The activity was also attended by the Head of the Women’s Empowerment, Child Protection, Population Control, and Family Planning Office of West Seram Regency, Suhna Umayyah, as well as the Chair of the Waimital Village TP PKK. Meanwhile, 454 other recipients fall into the MBG 3B category, namely 40 pregnant women, 35 breastfeeding mothers, 68 two-year-olds, and 311 non-Preschool toddlers. On this occasion, Mauliwaty expressed appreciation to the SPPG managers, who are deemed consistent in distributing the MBG programme, especially for the 3B groups that are prioritised in stunting management. She added that direct supervision like this is important to ensure that the government’s nutrition interventions run optimally down to the village level. The visit also serves as part of BKKBN’s efforts to accelerate stunting reduction in the area through strengthening community-based nutrition fulfilment programmes. The Head of the SPPG at the Al-Barqah Nahdliyin Foundation, Rosalinda Laturake, explained that MBG distribution is carried out on a scheduled basis to several schools. For kindergarten (TK) and primary school (SD) levels, distribution occurs at 10:00 WIT, while for junior madrasah (MTs) and senior madrasah (MA) at 11:00 WIT. Schools benefiting from this programme include TK Pembina Kairatu, SD Inpres Waimital, SD Negeri 1, 2, and 3 Waimital, SD Inpres Waipirit, SMP Negeri 2 Kairatu, MTs Pondok Pesantren, and MA Kairatu.