The implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal (MGB) program, which was originally planned to take place simultaneously across Indonesia on Monday (6/1/2025), has been delayed in several regions.
Several areas in East Java, such as Jember, Banyuwangi, and Bondowoso, have reportedly postponed the implementation of the MBG program until Monday (13/1/2025), next week.This was confirmed by Dandim 0824 Jember, Lieutenant Colonel Indra Andriyansyah.
“There are indeed some areas that are delaying.” “Like in Jember itself, the head of the kitchen stated that they are not ready yet, due to technical reasons that we cannot disclose,” said Lieutenant Colonel Indra during the trial implementation of the MBG program at SDN Kamal 03, Arjasa District, Jember on Tuesday (7/1/2025).
The implementation of the MBG program at the national level is coordinated by the newly formed National Nutrition Agency (Badan Gizi Nasional, BGN) established some time ago. Meanwhile, its implementation at the regional level is coordinated by the Indonesian Army (TNI AD) through each Military District Command (Kodim).
“From BGN, they stated, if you’re not ready yet, don’t force it,” Indra said.
Until Monday (6/1/2025) yesterday, the preparations for the implementation of the MBG program in Jember could be said to still be unready. Based on the calculations by Kodim 0824 Jember, at least 157 healthy kitchens or MBG implementation kitchens are needed, spread across each sub-district.
The distribution of MBG kitchens is such that each kitchen can serve a maximum of 3,000 portions daily for each child. Jelbuk District, which has 5,200 students, has the fewest MBG kitchens, with only 2 kitchens. Meanwhile, Patrang District has the highest number, reaching 12 kitchens.
There is only one kitchen.
Out of the 157 kitchens needed, only 1 kitchen has been established so far, namely in the Patrang District located at the Patrang Koramil.
“This is just a pilot project (in the Patrang sub-district) serving only one village,” said Indra.
One kitchen has 50 personnel, consisting of a head chef overseeing several staff members. Starting from nutritionists, accountants, food preparation staff, cooks, portioning staff, packing staff, distribution staff, including dishwashing staff.
The distribution or delivery schedule of MBG will also be adjusted according to the school level. “Starting from early childhood education and kindergarten, whose school hours do not extend until the afternoon, it will be distributed in the morning.” Then it will continue to other schools that finish a bit later. So they were distributed to their respective schools,” concluded Indra.
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