National Nutrition Agency targets Jember as role model for free nutritious meals programme
Jember, East Java (ANTARA) - The National Nutrition Agency is targeting Jember Regency to become a role model for the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme because it is considered one of the most progressive regions in providing accurate and complete data on beneficiaries.
“We highly appreciate the seriousness of the Jember Regency Government in preparing for the MBG programme,” said Head of the National Nutrition Agency Dadan Hindayana during the inauguration of the Cahaya Sholawat Nusantara Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG) in Wringinagung Village, Jombang Subdistrict, Jember Regency, East Java, on Thursday.
According to him, the commitment of the Jember Regency Government is evident in the formation of the MBG Acceleration Task Force, which fosters optimism that the MBG programme in Jember will have a dual impact, both on child health and strengthening the local economy.
“The programme is not just food assistance, but a driver of people’s economy. Around 93 percent of the National Nutrition Agency’s budget will be channelled to each SPPG,” he said.
He explained that each SPPG unit is projected to receive around Rp1 billion every month, with 70 percent of the budget used for purchasing raw materials from local farmers, herders, fishermen, and SMEs.
Some 20 percent is for operational costs, including salaries for around 47 volunteers per SPPG, and 10 percent for investment returns to partners building the SPPG.
Regarding supervision, he continued, the National Nutrition Agency has prepared a layered system through deputy supervision, monitoring, and the inspectorate. However, they also emphasised the importance of public participation in monitoring daily menu quality through photo documentation.
“We will not hesitate to take firm action if violations of the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) are found, so we ask the Regent to provide recommendations if there is an SPPG that is non-compliant, and we will follow up,” he said.
“The economic circulation potential from the MBG programme is enormous. If all SPPGs are fully operational, the economic value circulating in Jember is estimated to reach Rp4 trillion to Rp4.6 trillion per year,” he said.
According to him, this figure even has the potential to exceed the total APBD of Jember Regency, which is currently at Rp4.3 trillion, and the circulation from MBG will drive economic growth, increase regional income, and most importantly, create new job opportunities for Jember residents.
Based on his field observations, many workers absorbed are those who previously did not have stable employment, such as housewives and residents with low incomes.
“With local community involvement in the MBG production chain, unemployment in Jember is expected to decrease drastically, which will ultimately accelerate poverty alleviation,” he said.
He stated that there are currently around 200 SPPGs starting to operate in Jember and assured that the Jember Regency Government together with related task forces will continue to oversee the programme to ensure it runs optimally.