Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program, a priority initiative of President Prabowo Subianto, is set to launch at 190 locations in 26 provinces, starting Monday.

"It marks a historic milestone for Indonesia as the first nationwide nutrition program for toddlers, schoolchildren, pregnant, and breastfeeding mothers," said Presidential Communications Head Hasan Nasbi on Sunday (5/1/2025).

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has confirmed as many 190 Nutritional Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG), or MBG Kitchens, spread across provinces such as Aceh, Bali, West Java, and Papua are ready for the operation. 

Each kitchen is managed by a team comprising a designated head, a nutritionist, and an accountant to ensure strict monitoring of food quality, hygiene, and waste management, according to antaranews.com

The initiative begins alongside the return of school activities this week, with a projected rollout to 937 kitchens by the end of January 2025. By March, it aims to benefit 3 million individuals, scaling to 15 million by year-end and 82.9 million by 2029.

Backed by a Rp 71 trillion budget, the program involves 140 micro, small, and medium enterprises in its supply chain.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)