President Prabowo Calls on SPPI to Uphold the Quality of the MBG Program

President Prabowo Subianto delivers a directive to the Indonesian Development Pioneer Scholars (Sarjana Penggerak Pembangunan Indonesia/SPPI) via video conference from the State Palace, Jakarta, Tuesday (02/18) (Photo: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

President Prabowo Subianto delivered a directive to the Indonesian Development Pioneer Scholars (Sarjana Penggerak Pembangunan Indonesia/SPPI) via video conference from the State Palace, Jakarta, Tuesday (02/18). On this occasion, President Prabowo emphasized the crucial role of these scholars in ensuring the sustainability and effectiveness of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program, which is currently implemented across various regions in the country.

President Prabowo began his address by commending the efforts of SPPI members who have been actively engaged in the field, supporting the program aimed at fulfilling the nutritional needs of children and pregnant women throughout Indonesia. “You have been deployed from Aceh to Papua. I extend my congratulations and gratitude to the Head of the National Nutrition Agency, Professor Dadan. As of today, February 17, 2025, we have established 570 SPPG units (Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units). These serve as our kitchen units and management centers, and we have reached 1,469,651 beneficiaries,” said the President.

President Prabowo further set a target for the program to reach even more people by the end of the year. “By the end of this year, we aim for 82.9 million people to benefit from the program. Of course, this cannot happen overnight as so many people are hoping for this program. But yes, we are proceeding according to our capacity,” he added.

During his address, President Prabowo also underscored that it is important to implement the program transparently to ensure that its benefits are genuinely felt by the people. The Head of State reminded SPPI members to safeguard every rupiah allocated for improving children’s nutrition in Indonesia.

“I entrust this to you—ensure proper implementation. Every penny, every cent, every rupiah must be carefully managed. This is for the nutrition of Indonesian children and expectant mothers, for the future of Indonesia,” he asserted.

President Prabowo also highlighted potential mismanagement in the handling of kitchen operations and food supplies. Additionally, he stressed the importance for hygiene standards in food preparation, particularly regarding the use of cooking oil.

“Monitor the procurement of ingredients carefully. I insist that only clean cooking oil be used. It is common practice in kitchens to reuse oil five, six, even ten times until it turns black. This is something I strongly emphasize,” he stated.

Through this directive, President Prabowo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the success of the Free Nutritious Meals program as part of broader efforts to improve the nutritional quality of the Indonesian population. SPPI members are expected to carry out their duties with dedication and responsibility for the sake of the nation’s future generations. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/ABD) (AY/LW)