Natuna Regency to add 16 more SPPG 3T service points

Natuna Regency, in the Riau Islands Province, is preparing 16 additional points for the Satuan Pelayanan Pemenuhan Gizi (SPPG) in the Tertinggal, Terdepan, dan Terluar (3T) areas to support the implementation of the free nutritious meals programme (MBG).

The Natuna Regent Cen Sui Lan said on Thursday that the 16 points are spread across several districts and have been proposed as an effort to ensure equitable access to nutrition services for residents in the region.

The expansion of SPPG is necessary given Natuna’s geography, which comprises numerous islands with limited transport access and road infrastructure.

“Our geography is different from other areas; the road conditions are not easy, so we need to add SPPG so that the distribution of nutritious meals can be even,” he said.

Currently, the number of SPPG in Natuna stands at 26 units, comprising 14 SPPG 3T units and 12 agglomeration units. SPPG 3T is a kitchen that produces MBG for beneficiaries under 1,000 people, while agglomeration SPPG serves more than 1,000 people.

Of the total, 10 SPPG units have begun operating. Some others have completed construction and are awaiting operational approval, while some are still under construction.

He said the proposal to add 16 SPPG points has been submitted to the National Nutrition Agency (BGN). If approved, total 3T SPPG in Natuna would rise to 30 units.

“As many as 14 SPPG 3T have been completed and are just waiting for the operational decision letter from BGN,” he said.