Mendukbangga: MBG Programme Part of Efforts to Prevent Stunting-Risk Families

The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme is no ordinary initiative. We are talking about pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers, so even a slight mis-targeting can have significant impacts.

Pemalang (ANTARA) - The Minister for Population and Family Development (Mendukbangga)/Head of BKKBN Wihaji stated that the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme is part of efforts to anticipate stunting-risk families.

“This (MBG) is not an ordinary programme. We are talking about pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers, so even a slight mis-targeting can have a big impact,” said Mendukbangga/Head of BKKBN Wihaji in Pemalang, Central Java, on Thursday.

He said he came to ensure that the MBG programme runs according to its targets, especially for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers (Group 3B).

“Therefore, I am checking directly (in Pemalang). The instructions from the centre are clear that the quality (of MBG) is now the top priority, so criticism from the public must continue to be conveyed and not ignored,” said Mendukbangga Wihaji.

According to him, there are currently around 8.6 million Stunting-Risk Families (KRS), so one effort to address this issue is through the MBG programme.

However, in Pemalang Regency, he directly found conditions of residents’ houses where the distance between the toilet and the kitchen is very close and does not meet habitability standards.

For its handling, he said, cooperation is being carried out with institutions such as Baznas and zakat houses to improve houses and sanitation facilities, while ensuring nutritional intake is met through the MBG programme.

During the activity visit in Pemalang Regency, Mendukbangga Wihaji said that this year they are targeting the stunting rate to drop to 18.8% from the previous 19.8%, and in the long term, the stunting rate is targeted to be reduced to 14% by 2029.

“This cannot be ignored because it concerns the quality of future generations,” he said.

He stated that handling stunting and MBG distribution cannot be burdened on one ministry alone; various sectors must move together.

“The scheme used is the Pentahelix approach, involving government, society, business, academics, and the role of the media. The ones who know the local conditions best are the regional heads, so everyone must be involved; it cannot run alone,” said Mendukbangga Wihaji.