Government Accelerates Improvements to SPPG Kitchens in MBG Programme

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The government is ensuring accelerated steps to perfect the implementation and effectiveness of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme, particularly regarding the SPPG kitchens. “Progress up to 30 March 2026 has reached 38 provinces, benefiting 61,680,043 recipients. Meanwhile, 26,066 SPPG units have been operational, with 2,162 of them temporarily closed, including 1,789 suspended, 368 under SP1, and five under SP2, totalling 2,162,” said Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan after a limited coordination meeting in Jakarta on Thursday. Furthermore, the man familiarly known as Zulhas stated that his side continues to monitor and evaluate the programme to ensure the MBG runs effectively in line with President Prabowo Subianto’s directives. “As we know, MBG is a very large programme providing meals to 60 million of our children, which is certainly not easy with all its dynamics. But we continue; the government continues to make improvements. There are still shortcomings here and there, but insya Allah it will get better,” he explained. In addition, Zulhas emphasised that SPPG units that have not made improvements after warnings and suspensions may face operational closures. “So there were 2,162 in total earlier. But 1,789 are suspended so they can be fixed. If not fixed, then we close them too,” he said. Besides the kitchens, he also stated that the government is giving special attention to the effectiveness of the MBG programme for students, particularly the provision of meals during holidays such as Eid al-Fitr 1447 H some time ago. “For the Lebaran holiday, if included, it wouldn’t be effective. So during the holiday, there is no more (MBG provision to students),” said Coordinating Minister Zulhas. He hopes that this programme can become increasingly effective, perfect, and directly impact the beneficiaries at least by the end of this year. “Of course (the hope is) it will get better day by day. On the orders of Mr President, we are asked to have it perfected before the end of the year, hopefully. Please pray and support,” Zulhas added.