IPB Prepares to Build SPPG in Bogor in May to Support MBG
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Institut Pertanian Bogor (IPB) University has expressed its readiness to build a Satuan Pelayanan Pemenuhan Gizi (SPPG) in Bogor in May to support the implementation of the Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG) programme.
IPB University Rector Alim Setiawan Slamet stated that the number of SPPGs to be built could exceed two units, depending on field readiness. The SPPG location will remain in Bogor to stay close to the campus.
“If at IPB, God willing, possibly in May, the first one. And possibly the next in June,” Alim said when met by reporters after the “Sinergi Alumni IPB untuk Bangsa” event in Jakarta on Saturday.
The SPPG built by IPB will later distribute nutritious meals to several schools in the Bogor area. However, Alim has not detailed the technical aspects, including the number of target schools, as management will be under a foundation.
“There is (a plan to build the SPPG kitchen), from one of IPB’s foundations,” Alim said.
In general, Alim welcomed the encouragement from the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) for higher education institutions to contribute to SPPG development.
He views campus involvement as extending beyond just building or managing SPPG kitchens, but also opening up more integrated ecosystem models.
In this regard, SPPGs managed by campuses are expected to serve as exemplary designs involving farmers and local supply chains.
This model is hoped to be adopted by other SPPGs, especially to ensure that food ingredient needs are sourced domestically, not from imports.
Alim added that campus involvement also serves as a learning platform for students through experiential learning, while providing space for lecturers to conduct real-time research.
Additionally, campus innovations in kitchen energy efficiency, food safety improvements, quality standards, and waste management can be applied.
Alim stated that campus-led SPPG development also has the potential to promote circular and environmentally friendly economic models, including waste management, which is relevant to environmental issues.
Besides SPPG construction, Alim said that from the start, they have been tasked by the Ministry of National Development Planning/National Development Planning Agency (Kementerian PPN/Bappenas) as a centre of excellence for nutritious food fulfilment in the MBG programme.
In that role, the campus collaborates with various ministries and is supported by UNICEF and BGN.
Alim said that IPB has conducted training or training of trainers (TOT), as well as compiled various modules and MBG implementation guides. In addition, IPB serves as a partner to BGN in conducting studies and research.
Previously, BGN stated that campuses could start considering having at least one SPPG to support the national nutrition improvement programme.
This was conveyed by BGN Head Dadan Hindayana to remind that higher education institutions also have a strategic role in supporting the success of the MBG programme.
“I think campuses need to understand this, because this is a great opportunity. At minimum, have one SPPG first, and if possible, the supplies come from the academic community itself,” Dadan said in an official statement in Jakarta on Wednesday (29/4).
Campuses are also encouraged to build and manage SPPGs independently, while turning them into practical learning centres.
According to Dadan, one SPPG unit not only functions as a kitchen providing nutritious meals but also as an economic hub that requires large-scale food production support.