Padang Mayor Fadly Amran Urges Free Nutritious Meals Programme to Strengthen Local Supply Chains

The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme must not only meet the nutritional needs of children and other beneficiaries but also stimulate the local economy by involving small businesses and producers in the food supply chain. Padang Mayor Fadly Amran made this statement while chairing an MBG implementation evaluation meeting at Bagindo Aziz Chan Hall, Aie Pacah City Hall, on Wednesday, 17 June 2026. He emphasised that standardising the raw material supply chain is crucial so that traditional markets, micro, small and medium enterprises (UMKM), farmers, fishermen, and livestock breeders can become part of a supplier ecosystem that meets MBG standards. “This way, the programme’s benefits can be felt more widely by the community,” the Mayor said. He noted that the programme’s success is not solely determined by kitchen operations but also relies on accurate data systems, covering the needs of each Nutritional Service Fulfilment Unit (SPPG), raw material availability, distribution patterns, and public response. The MBG programme is a major national agenda. “Therefore, all SPPGs and regional apparatus must support each other to ensure quality nutritional fulfilment for children and other beneficiaries,” he added. Fadly Amran also urged all SPPGs in Padang to prepare for a grading or assessment system from the National Nutrition Agency (BGN). He hopes all MBG kitchens can meet the highest standards in service quality, hygiene, food safety, and operational governance. “I hope the construction and development of SPPGs proceed according to regulations. Priority programmes must continue, but safety, urban order, and regulatory compliance must not be neglected,” he stated. The Mayor also requested the Regional Drinking Water Company (Perumda Air Minum) and relevant agencies to ensure all SPPG kitchens have adequate access to clean water. He reminded all foundations and SPPG managers to comply with local regulations regarding building construction and land use. Head of the Padang Fisheries and Food Agency, Alfiadi, who also serves as Secretary of the Padang MBG Task Force, explained that comprehensive monthly evaluations are conducted routinely to ensure all aspects of the programme run optimally, from raw material provision and kitchen operations to beneficiary services. “We continuously oversee the quality of MBG implementation. Following the Mayor’s direction, all SPPGs in Padang must be the best, in line with the spirit of the Padang Juara flagship programme,” Alfiadi said. Currently, 72 SPPGs are operating in Padang, representing about 75 percent of the 96-unit target. The city government aims to fulfil the remaining 24 SPPGs within the next two to three months. The evaluation meeting served as a coordination forum to strengthen SPPG service quality and ensure the smooth continuation of this national priority programme in Padang.