KPPG states MBG programme absorbs 9,601 local workers in Kepri

Tanjungpinang - The Head of the Food and Nutrition Service Office (KPPG) for Riau, West Sumatra, and Riau Islands (Kepri) regions, Syartiwidya, stated that the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme, particularly in Kepri province, has absorbed 9,601 local workers. She explained that the number of workers is distributed across 223 Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG) spread over seven regencies/cities in Kepri. “Each SPPG requires around 40 to 50 volunteers/operational workers, covering positions such as cooks, logistics staff, cleaners, drivers, as well as supported by SPPG heads, nutritionists, and accountants,” said Syartiwidya when contacted from Tanjungpinang on Monday. She stated that the absorption of local workers indicates that the MBG programme is one concrete solution to tackling unemployment rates, in addition to focusing on fulfilling the nutritional intake of beneficiaries. “The beneficiaries consist of school participants, toddlers, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers,” she said. Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor of Kepri, Nyanyang Haris Pratamura, who is also the Chair of the local MBG Working Group, appreciated the MBG for providing many positive impacts, including absorbing workers as well as local agricultural products and SMEs for the needs of SPPG kitchens. In addition, MBG also improves the nutritional intake of schoolchildren, supports learning concentration and student attendance, and is part of efforts to prevent malnutrition and stunting. “The programme is not just about food, but a long-term investment to produce a healthy, intelligent, and competitive generation,” she said. She also highlighted the characteristics of the Kepri region, which consists of islands, thus presenting its own challenges in terms of distribution and programme implementation in the field. Therefore, cross-sectoral synergy, strong coordination, and innovation in implementing the Asta Cita programme are needed. Nyanyang also emphasised the compliance of partners and foundations in managing MBG in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) set by the National Nutrition Agency (BGN). She affirmed the importance of supervision of MBG both internally and externally, including community involvement in ensuring that President Prabowo’s programme runs according to the rules. “If violations are found in the programme’s implementation, there will certainly be firm sanctions in accordance with applicable provisions,” she emphasised.