Central Java Governor: MBG Programme in Cilacap Receives Positive Response

Cilacap (ANTARA) - Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi stated that the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme in Cilacap Regency is progressing well and has received a positive response from students. “Overall, the MBG programme is running smoothly. The children have directly expressed that they are pleased with this programme because it helps meet their daily needs,” he said while accompanying President Prabowo Subianto on a visit to SMA Negeri 1 Cilacap on Wednesday to inspect the results of the school’s revitalisation and directly check the implementation of the MBG programme. He assessed that the presence of MBG not only impacts the fulfilment of students’ nutrition but also eases the economic burden on families, especially amid continuously rising education needs. In addition to reviewing MBG, the entourage also directly observed the results of the revitalisation of SMA Negeri 1 Cilacap, which was completed in 2025 with funding of Rp1.053 billion from the central government. According to him, the assistance was used to rehabilitate seven classrooms and build three toilet packages. These facilities are now utilised by 1,274 students and 98 teachers. “The central government’s attention to education is significant, including for improving school facilities and infrastructure. In the future, development and revitalisation will continue,” he said. He stated that such steps are important for enhancing technology-based learning quality. According to him, the President’s visit is evidence of the government’s commitment to preparing the younger generation through quality and equitable education. “His message is clear: education is the foundation of the future. We must prepare children from an early age to be able to compete,” said Governor Luthfi. Meanwhile, during his visit, President Prabowo Subianto conveyed that the students gave a positive response to the MBG programme run by the government. “The children directly told me that they like the programme. They feel that the MBG programme is very helpful, especially in saving expenses,” said Prabowo. “I see enthusiasm from all parties. We will continue to make improvements. Schools are very important, and education is the key to our nation’s revival,” said the President. The Head of State said the government will give serious attention to the world of education, including strengthening investment in that sector. “Every Indonesian child must receive the best education,” said Prabowo. Based on data from the Central Java Provincial Government, Cilacap Regency has 303 Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG). Of that number, 178 units are operational, 16 units are not yet operational, and 107 units are still in the preparation stage. The MBG programme in Cilacap also absorbs 8,667 local workers, with 7,810 of them registered as participants in BPJS Employment. The number of MBG beneficiaries in Cilacap reaches 485,083 people, consisting of 402,424 school students, and the rest other community groups such as pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers. For secondary education levels, the beneficiaries include 5,740 students from six senior high schools, 24,065 students from 29 vocational high schools, and 562 students from three special needs schools. Meanwhile, overall in Central Java, there are 4,374 SPPG units, making it one of the regions with the largest service coverage in Indonesia. As many as 4,155 units are operational and 192 other units are still in the preparation stage. The MBG programme in Central Java targets 9,034,839 beneficiaries, consisting of 7,725,129 students, 38,325 pregnant women, 3,831 breastfeeding mothers, and 1,872,174 toddlers.