Tangerang SPPG Employs Inmates in MBG Kitchen After Rigorous Selection

The Satuan Pelayanan Pemenuhan Gizi (SPPG) Babakan in Tangerang City, Banten, is employing inmates, or wards of the Class 1 Tangerang Penitentiary (Lapas), in the kitchen for the Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG) programme.

According to information received from the Indonesian Government Communication Agency (Bakom) on Friday (24/4), the inmates involved in the MBG kitchen operations have undergone a rigorous selection process, including psychological and health tests.

“They [the wards] are not just anyone; they have been tested by psychologists, their health, and everything else very strictly,” said Head Chef of SPPG Babakan, Chef Kuming, at the location on Thursday (23/4).

He explained that all the wards on duty are in good physical and mental health. This, he added, ensures safety for their involvement in the MBG kitchen.

However, the wards do not participate in preparing or cooking food and are not allowed to handle sharp objects. They are only involved in washing and cleaning pots.

“So, they, God willing, come here without bringing any contagious diseases, and are not in a condition that could be called mental disturbances or psychological issues,” he emphasised.

Chef Kuming said that interest from the wards in working at the SPPG kitchen is quite high. The penitentiary also conducts further selection before placing them in the kitchen.

“Many from the penitentiary’s wards want to work here. But they are sorted again by the penitentiary itself, based on their attitude, suitability, mental state, and so on. They can enter [the MBG kitchen] very strictly,” he said.

In addition to physical and mental health selection, security aspects are a primary concern. Chef Kuming mentioned that penitentiary officers conduct intensive supervision in the kitchen, even until night time.

“The prison guards, four to five people, still remain on standby here. Guarding the front door, back door, and windows. So, God willing, it’s safe,” he stated.