Dompu Residents Block Road Demanding Free Nutritious Meal Kitchens Begin Operations; Task Force Responds

Dozens of residents staged a protest by blocking a road in Pajo District, Dompu Regency, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). They obstructed the road using wood and burning used tyres.

The protest took place on Friday (2/10). The crowd demanded that the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) kitchens in the area begin operations immediately. Furthermore, the protesters questioned why three MBG kitchens in Pajo District have not received operational permits for 2026.

Putri Rizkika, a member of the Dompu Regency MBG Task Force, has responded to the residents’ demands. Putri stated that she has heard the community’s aspirations directly. According to her, the MBG Task Force will coordinate with the National Nutrition Agency (BGN).

“These aspirations are being noted and will serve as material for the Task Force’s coordination in promoting the even distribution of the MBG programme implementation in Dompu Regency,” said Putri on Tuesday (6/10/2026).

Putri explained that the status of the three MBG kitchens in Pajo District questioned by the residents is currently still in the preparation stage. She emphasised that these three Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG) are not yet operational or legally authorised to carry out MBG services.

According to her, the preparation process falls under a moratorium policy. Putri asserted that the MBG kitchens in Pajo District can only begin operating after receiving the green light from the BGN.

“It cannot be confirmed in the near future, as we are still awaiting further processes and policies. What is clear is that we have received the aspirations of the Pajo community, and they will be used for coordination with relevant parties and the BGN,” said Putri.

“In principle, the Task Force supports the equitable distribution of MBG services so that the benefits of this programme can be felt by all residents of Dompu Regency in accordance with applicable regulations,” she concluded.