Nutritional Fulfilment Service Unit in Mataram to Commence Operations Soon

The Nutritional Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG), or the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) kitchen, built through a collaboration between the Mataram City Government, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), and the central government, is set to begin operations shortly.

“At this stage, we are merely awaiting the handover mechanism from the central government,” stated the Mataram City Regional Secretary, Lalu Alwan Basri, in Mataram on Tuesday.

Of the four locations proposed by the Mataram City Government for the construction of the MBG kitchens, only one site was approved by the central government. “The physical construction and other processes are complete; we are just waiting for the handover,” he added.

Moving forward, the Mataram City Government is awaiting technical implementation guidelines regarding the management mechanism with the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), after which partners will be determined. “The management will be carried out by partners. However, for certainty, we are awaiting regulations from the central government,” he said.

During the briefing, the Regional Secretary denied claims of operational delays, clarifying that the situation is strictly dependent on the completion of the asset handover and management phase for the MBG kitchen. “It is not a delay, but rather that the handover process is not yet finalised,” he noted.

The Regional Secretary added that the MBG kitchen construction project is not merely about building physical facilities, but represents a long-term investment to reduce stunting rates and improve the quality of human resources from an early age. Consequently, the MBG kitchen is equipped with strict hygienic standard facilities and involves local nutrition experts to design balanced menus for children.

In addition to focusing on child health, the presence of the MBG kitchen is projected to stimulate the local economy, as the supply of raw materials—such as rice, vegetables, side dishes, and milk—will be sourced directly from local farmers, livestock breeders, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the surrounding area. “We hope the existence of the MBG kitchen will have an impact on improving health, the economy, and the welfare of the community in this city,” he concluded.