MBG Programme in Banten Reaches 2.9 Million Beneficiaries

Serang (ANTARA) - The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) records that the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Programme in Banten Province has reached approximately 2.9 million beneficiaries. “Currently, in Banten Province, there are 1,084 Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG) in operation. These units serve approximately 2.9 million beneficiaries,” said Deputy for Monitoring and Supervision of the National Nutrition Agency, Dadang Hendrayuda, after a coordination meeting in Serang on Tuesday. He emphasised that the success of this programme is the result of cross-sectoral collaboration in accordance with Presidential Decree No. 28 of 2025 on the Coordinating Team for the Implementation of the MBG Programme. “The region is a priority because of its population characteristics and the scope of beneficiaries, which not only targets schoolchildren but also the elderly,” Dadang stated. He added that the quality of the programme is determined by kitchen standards and raw materials that must meet precise criteria for protein, carbohydrates, and fibre. “This is not just about filling stomachs, but about nutritious eating,” he stressed. On the same occasion, Banten’s Deputy Governor Achmad Dimyati Natakusumah emphasised that the implementation of this strategic programme should be purely social-oriented and far from business interests. Dimyati encouraged mapping of areas based on commodity potential to strengthen the local supply chain. “We encourage production development centres for vegetables, livestock, or other commodities at the sub-district level. This is important to support supplies while anticipating regional inflation,” Dimyati said. The Banten Provincial Government is committed to continuing to monitor the programme’s implementation to adhere to the nutritional standards set by the central government. Dimyati reminded all parties to maintain the programme’s integrity for the nutritional fulfilment of the nation’s children. “We fully support and will participate in monitoring so that this programme runs as expected by the President,” Dimyati said. Through local government support in preparing the supply chain and active community participation, the MBG programme is expected to run optimally, affordably, and with quality throughout the corners of Banten Province.