JAKARTA - The Presidential Palace stated that the discussion on the use of school canteens as a kitchen for the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program is still in the study phase and is part of the comprehensive arrangement being carried out by the National Nutrition Agency (BGN).
The Minister of State Secretary (Mensesneg) Prasetyo Hadi said the government had not made a final decision regarding the scheme. According to him, BGN is still studying various alternatives to increase the effectiveness of the implementation of the MBG program, especially in the lagging, leading, and outermost regions (3T).
"I think it's part of the current comprehensive arrangement process at the National Nutrition Agency," said Prasetyo Hadi at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Thursday, June 11.
Prasetyo explained that the use of school canteens as MBG kitchens is one of the options being considered by the government. However, its implementation will be adjusted to the conditions and needs of each region.
"As a possible alternative scheme, perhaps it will also be one of the things we will try to see, whether it is appropriate to be imposed in certain zones. That is part of what BGN is arranging," he said.
According to Prasetyo, the government will conduct a thorough study before determining the most effective implementation model, including considering aspects of infrastructure, food distribution, and budget efficiency.
Previously, the Head of the National Nutrition Agency Nanik S. Deyang revealed that BGN was preparing a number of new schemes to expand the reach of the MBG program, especially in 3T areas that have limited facilities and infrastructure.
One of the approaches being studied is to utilize facilities that are already available in the community, such as school canteens, public kitchens, and community kitchens, so that the government does not need to build new kitchens or Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) in every location.
According to Nanik, the utilization of existing facilities can increase the efficiency of program implementation while reducing the need for state budgets.
"So there are several alternatives, the point is to reduce the burden on the state budget and we don't have to build a new kitchen, that's the principle. We can use kitchens, for example school canteens," said Nanik.
In addition to utilizing the available facilities, BGN also opens opportunities for cooperation with various parties to support the sustainability of the MBG program. Collaborations include state-owned enterprises (BUMN), the private sector through corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs, foundations, to community organizations.
Even though it considers various alternatives for implementation, the government emphasizes that the quality of food, nutritional standards, and food safety remain the top priority in the MBG program.
Therefore, all schemes that are being studied will continue to refer to the operational standards set by BGN to ensure that the food received by program participants meets nutritional needs and is safe to consume.
The government hopes that the various options being prepared can accelerate the expansion of the reach of the MBG program while maintaining the efficiency of state budget use.
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