West Bandung Nutrition Kitchen Uses AI to Boost Free Meal Programme Operations
The SPPG Karyawangi nutrition kitchen in Parongpong, West Bandung Regency, has adopted artificial intelligence (AI) technology to support the operations of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme. The AI system is capable of answering questions regarding daily menus, nutritional content, distribution schedules, and complaint procedures without requiring human intervention.
Head of SPPG HIPMI Karyawangi Arlan Hardi stated that the technology enhances service, documentation, nutritional education, and public communication. “When people ask questions, the AI can provide a fast response because our data has been inputted and connected to the website and WhatsApp,” Arlan said on Thursday (2/7/2026).
The kitchen, which has been operating since September 2025, currently serves around 3,200 beneficiaries, including students, toddlers, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers. The facility also employs 52 local workers.
Arlan explained that by allowing AI to handle repetitive public inquiries, administrative staff can concentrate more on food quality control, distribution, and operational evaluation. He added that the AI-powered customer service is also crucial in minimising disinformation and addressing public concerns regarding the MBG programme.
“We developed this programme early last year. It has been very helpful, both for our operations and for addressing the concerns of beneficiaries,” he said.
As part of its commitment to transparency, SPPG HIPMI Karyawangi conducts daily live streams on TikTok to answer public questions and share information about kitchen management standards. “This is a form of our openness to the public. We are happy if people want to ask about the conditions and workings of our kitchen,” Arlan noted.
Nutritionist Salma Karisa emphasised that the quality of the MBG menu is the primary indicator of the programme’s success. Kitchen management focuses not only on food production processes but also on ensuring that every menu meets nutritional, taste, and food safety standards. “The output of this programme is menu quality. Therefore, every meal we serve includes nutritional content information so that parents know what nutrients their children are consuming,” she said.