Semarang City Prepares to Become National Hub for Discussion on Best Practices in Free Nutritious Meals Programme
Semarang City is preparing to become the national centre for discussion through the “National Dialogue on Best Practices for Free Nutritious Meals (MBG)” event scheduled for 28-30 April 2026. Taking place at Hotel Gumaya, this activity represents a strategic step in supporting the national strategic programme to provide nutritious food to the community.
“Semarang City feels honoured to host delegates from various cities in Indonesia to discuss strengthening national nutrition,” said Mayor of Semarang, Agustina Wilujeng, on Wednesday, 8 April 2026.
According to Mayor Agustina, the Semarang City Government has prepared this forum as a platform for exchanging experiences or best practices in managing food programmes effectively. “We want to ensure that every region can learn from one another in implementing this nutrition fulfilment policy,” she said.
It is known that this national dialogue will bring together representatives from 20 cities/districts that signed the Milan Pact in Indonesia, including Surabaya City as a prospective member. In addition, several regional heads from Central Java, such as Magelang, Salatiga, Tegal, and Pekalongan, are also planned to attend this meeting.
“The presence of dozens of cities demonstrates a strong commitment among local governments to synergise for the health of future generations,” she stated.
Meanwhile, as part of the event series, participants are scheduled to conduct field visits to three Free Meals Service Units (SPPG) in Semarang City. The locations to be visited include SPPG Aspol Polda Jateng Rejosari, SPPG Kedung Mundu 2, and SPPG Pedalangan.
“These three SPPG locations were chosen because they have met the operational standard requirements set by the National Nutrition Agency (BGN). The facilities in Rejosari, Kedung Mundu, and Pedalangan are very representative to serve as learning examples for national participants,” said the mayor.
This field visit aims to directly demonstrate the management of food distribution that has been running according to health procedures. Participants will observe the technical implementation of meals that have obtained the Hygiene Sanitation Fit Certificate (SLHS).
“The three SPPG have advantages in their well-organised service flow and adequate facilities according to standard procedures. We want to show that standardising food quality and cleanliness is the main key in SPPG operations,” said Agustina.
The Semarang City Government hopes that the results of this national dialogue can provide tangible contributions to the development of the Free Nutritious Meals programme throughout Indonesia. Replication of best practices from Semarang is expected to enhance service quality in other districts and cities.
“We hope that the best practices in Semarang City can inspire other regions to promptly replicate them. With uniform standardisation, the quality of nutrition programme implementation throughout Indonesia will improve further,” said Mayor Agustina.