DPR Supports Transfer Of MBG Kitchen Function To Part Of Disaster Management System

The activities of the nutritional fulfillment service unit (SPPG) in the MBG Program (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Member of Commission IX of the House of Representatives Netty Prasetiyani, supports the steps taken by the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) to convert the kitchen of the Free Nutrition Food Program (MBG) or the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) into an emergency public kitchen to help deal with floods and landslides in Sumatra. According to him, the MBG Kitchen can be part of the disaster management system.

"Utilization of MBG infrastructure in an emergency situation is the right step. This program can carry out a strategic role in helping people affected by disasters," Netty told reporters, Wednesday, December 3.

Even so, the member of the health commission emphasized the importance of maintaining food safety. Netty hopes that food quality supervision will be closely maintained.

"The conversion of MBG's kitchen function into a public kitchen must of course be accompanied by strict supervision related to cleanliness, sanitation, and quality of foodstuffs. The goal is that the assistance provided is really safe and does not cause new health problems," said Netty.

Netty also encouraged the local government to ensure that facilities and kitchen staff receive technical assistance, especially at locations with challenging conditions. He considered that the diversion of the MBG kitchen in Sumatra could be a model for utilizing MBG facilities as social infrastructure to respond to disasters quickly and standardly.

The experience in North Sumatra can be a good example. In the future, the MBG kitchen can be mapped as part of the national preparedness system, so that it can be activated immediately when a disaster occurs," explained Netty.

Furthermore, Netty emphasized the need for national guidelines or standard procedures for the utilization of SPPG/MBG as emergency kitchens, including security standards, distribution, logistics, and reporting.

"We need technical regulations that clarify the role of MBG in disaster situations, so that its utilization is measurable, safe, and on target. This will strengthen our overall social resilience," said Netty.

As is known, as many as 173 Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) in North Sumatra diverted the distribution of MBG packages to help residents affected by floods and landslides.

Meanwhile, 61 SPPGs in West Sumatra also distributed MBG packages. As of Saturday, November 29, it was recorded that around 341,765 MBG packages had been given to disaster-affected communities.