Cirebon City Government Ready to Fully Support the Free Nutritious Meal Program, Affirms Commitment to Maintaining Food Quality and Safety

Bogor, Konntroversinews | The Cirebon City Government stated its commitment to be actively involved in implementing the national Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program, as part of the central government’s strategy to improve the health and nutrition of the Indonesian people, especially the younger generation.

This commitment was confirmed directly by the Deputy Mayor of Cirebon, Siti Farida Rosmawati, after attending the West Java Regional Consolidation Meeting in order to improve the governance of the MBG program, which was held at the Sentul International Convention Center (SICC), Bogor Regency, on Monday (13/10/2025). In this strategic forum, the Deputy Mayor was also present along with the Assistant for Government and People’s Welfare (Aspemkesra), Sutikno and the heads of related regional apparatus.

“As we know, the MBG program is a national strategic step that requires cross-sector synergy so that its implementation is on target and runs effectively,” he said.

He added that the Cirebon City Government is not only ready to support, but will also play a role in the technical aspects of the program, such as determining beneficiary zoning, monitoring nutritional quality, and ensuring food safety during distribution.

“The Cirebon City Government will ensure that every stage of implementation refers to the national standards that have been set. Because those who will receive the direct benefits are the residents of Cirebon City themselves,” he stressed.

Furthermore, the Deputy Mayor emphasized the importance of collaboration between the central, regional governments and implementers in the field. He hopes that solid cooperation can minimize various obstacles such as uneven distribution, low nutritional quality, and food hygiene aspects.

“With strong synergy, we can ensure that this program runs optimally and truly brings real benefits to society,” he hoped.

On the same occasion, the Head of the Cirebon City Health Service, Siti Maria Listiawaty, highlighted the importance of uniform understanding and commitment of all stakeholders towards food safety. He stated that this coordination meeting was a strategic moment to unite perceptions and strengthen supervision.

“Food safety is something that cannot be negotiated. We encourage every Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) to open itself to guidance and supervision from the regional government, especially through the Food Task Force,” explained Siti Maria.

He also reminded the need to limit the number of SPPGs so that they do not exceed capacity, in order to maintain the quality of the nutritious food services provided.

“In the future, the number of SPPGs cannot reach 3,000 points. It must be below that so that quality is maintained and not overwhelmed. We must focus on improving quality,” he said.

This event was organized by the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) and officially opened by the Head of BGN, Dadan Hindayana. Also attending the activity were regional heads throughout West Java, including the Governor and Deputy Governor of Banten and the Deputy Governor of West Java.

In his direction, Dadan said that this activity was part of a follow-up to President Prabowo Subianto’s direction, who wanted the MBG program to be part of the nation’s long-term investment in forming a healthy and productive generation towards a Golden Indonesia 2045.

“We want the public to be confident that the food provided in this program is truly safe, healthy and nutritious. Therefore, all steps must be taken openly and accountably,” stressed Dadan.

He also emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration in maintaining program quality.

“Implementation of MBG must be an example of solid collaborative work between stakeholders. The food served must meet the elements of balanced nutrition and food safety. This is not just a program, but a real form of the country’s commitment to the future of our children,” he concluded.

Susmiati (Kabiro Konntroversinews)