Commission IX of the People's Consultative Assembly reminds free nutritious meal kitchen in Manokwari to prioritise food quality
Manokwari — A member of Commission IX of the People’s Consultative Assembly, Obet Ayok Rumbruren, has reminded all Nutrition Service Unit (SPPG) kitchens in Manokwari Regency, West Papua, to prioritise quality and standards in implementing the Free Nutritious Meal programme (MBG).
The objective is to ensure that this priority programme of President Prabowo Subianto delivers improved nutrition outcomes for students, vulnerable groups, and the “3B” category (pregnant women, nursing mothers, and infants) as intended beneficiaries.
“Food quality must be the main priority, not business-oriented or profit-driven from the MBG programme,” said Obet during a socialisation event in Manokwari on Saturday.
According to him, the success of the MBG programme must be supported by the implementation of food safety standards and maximum nutritional value, as well as consistency in food service tailored to the health needs of beneficiaries.
“To prevent further cases of MBG poisoning or discovery of mouldy bread, all SPPG staff must provide maximum service,” he stated.
He said that Commission IX of the People’s Consultative Assembly, together with the Ministry of Health as a working partner, would conduct routine monitoring and oversight of the MBG programme implementation across West Papua, including Manokwari.
The oversight encompasses aspects of raw material quality, processing procedures, food distribution mechanisms, and the programme’s impact on improving community nutritional quality, particularly among young people.
He urged local governments through their technical agencies to actively provide guidance to SPPG kitchen operators, including ensuring the involvement of health personnel and nutritionists in menu planning.
The provision of balanced nutrition for pregnant women, nursing mothers, infants, and student beneficiaries of the MBG programme aligns with the government’s efforts to reduce stunting prevalence whilst improving human resource quality.
“There were still some poisoning cases recently, and I hope such incidents will no longer occur in future. We all want future generations to be healthier,” said Obet.
One SPPG facility has been temporarily suspended after mouldy bread was discovered at SD Negeri 22 Wosi Primary School, and another SPPG providing substandard food caused poisoning among several students at SMA Negeri 2 Manokwari Secondary School.
“The temporarily suspended SPPG cannot yet be replaced by another, as production capacity is limited to 2,500 portions daily according to central BGN regulations. MBG production in Manokwari is currently 2,000 portions per day,” he stated.