Coordinating Minister for Politics and Security Emphasises Quality Standards for MBG Kitchen in West Kalimantan

Pontianak (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Politics and Security (Menko Polkam) Djamari Chaniago emphasised the importance of maintaining quality standards in the kitchen to ensure the sustainability of the nutrition fulfilment programme, particularly in supporting the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) service. During his visit to the MBG kitchen on Jalan Suwignyo in Pontianak City on Thursday (16/4), Djamari noted that the existence of the SPPG kitchen has broad impacts, not only on improving student health but also on the economic circulation of the local community. “I see that this SPPG already meets health standards, has a water clarification installation, and good waste management, which is crucial because it is located in a residential area. If not managed well, it could cause health problems for the surrounding environment,” he said. The Coordinating Minister for Politics and Security also appreciated the readiness of the SPPG facilities, which he assessed as meeting operational technical standards, including adequate sanitation facilities and waste processing support. In addition, he expressed appreciation to all parties involved in the construction and operation of the SPPG, from managers and investors to the foundations that initiated the programme. “This is a strategic step for the nation’s future, not merely a business interest,” he said. He also provided motivation to the SPPG managers and staff to continue maintaining the quality of services. “Continue to maintain and improve services to our children. Never tire of serving the nation,” he said. Meanwhile, West Kalimantan Governor Ria Norsan affirmed that the kitchen’s quality is a main pillar that must not be compromised in the programme’s implementation. “I advise that the kitchen’s quality is always maintained. Do not let there be any obstacles that tarnish the good name of this programme, because its benefits are already greatly felt by the community,” said Ria Norsan. She also reminded the importance of an optimal water filtration system, given the facility’s location in a densely populated area. According to Norsan, besides impacting the improvement of community nutrition, this programme also provides significant economic effects, especially for local business actors and farmers. She mentioned that the continuously increasing demand for food raw materials provides market certainty for local suppliers, thus encouraging increased agricultural production. “We have already felt that the utilisation of local vegetables has increased significantly. Suppliers now have buyer certainty, so they are motivated to continue increasing production,” she said. The visit concluded with a direct inspection of the SPPG facilities and a brief dialogue with the managers regarding field operations.