MBG Evaluation, Commission IX Of The DPR Reminds The Function Of Nutrition Experts At SPPG

Illustration of the activities of the Food and Nutrition Management School (SPPG) (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Deputy Chairman of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Yahya Zaini, responded to the government's evaluation of the Free Nutrition Food (MBG) program following the many cases of food poisoning. Yahya reminded nutritionists in every Food and Nutrition Management School (SPPG) to carry out their functions well in the implementation of the MBG program.

"So far, nutritionists in each SPPG do not function properly. If they function properly, there will be no poisoning. We hope that with the evaluation, nutritionists in each SPPG will not function properly anymore," Yahya Zaini told reporters, Wednesday, October 1.

Yahya assessed that strict supervision by nutritionists is also needed at all stages of food processing. Moreover, the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has assigned nutritionists at each SPPG to maintain quality.

"Because every stage of the food process, starting from raw materials, cooking, sorting and distribution, everything is supervised by them. BGN assigns 3 people in each SPPG, 1 chairman, 1 nutritionist, 1 acute expert," said Yahya.

Yahya welcomed the government's move which requires every kitchen SPPG provider MBG to have a Sanitation Hygienic Laik Certificate (SLHS). He reminded that hygienic certificates must really be a guarantee of quality and safety, not just administrative stamps.

"The most important thing is the quality of the menu and the quality of supervision in the field. Certificates must ensure that the MBG kitchen is safe, clean, and capable of maintaining proper nutrition for school children," said Yahya.

Yahya ensured that Commission IX of the DPR in partnership with BGN would continue to support the MBG program. Because according to him, this program aims well for the younger generation of Indonesia.

"We continue to support MBG which is evaluated for governance. MBG is a noble program to produce a brilliant generation in 2045, through improving nutrition," he said.

Therefore, the head of the commission in charge of health stated that the DPR will continue to oversee the priority programs of President Prabowo's government. He emphasized that child safety and health as recipients of MBG must be a top priority.

"The DPR will continue to oversee the transparency of the certification process, request periodic reports and ensure that every Indonesian child receives nutritious food that is truly safe, hygienic and according to standards," said Yahya.

The Golkar legislator from the West Java VIII electoral district also hopes that all parties will help oversee the MBG program, so that if there is a shortage, it can be evaluated immediately.

"The hope is that systemic irregularities, as stated by President Prabowo regarding the recent implementation of the MBG, will not happen again," concluded Yahya.

As is known, President Prabowo has summoned his ministers to his private residence on Jalan Kertanegara IV, South Jakarta, on the evening of Sunday, September 28 after arriving in the country after his visit from abroad.

During the meeting, the evaluation of the MBG program was carried out following the many poisoning cases that occurred. President Prabowo emphasized that the safety of children is a top priority.

One of the improvements to the program is related to MBG governance, for example related to the problem of procedural discipline, especially the problem of cleanliness which is related to water problems.