MBG Partners Ask to Be Included in BGN Policy Meetings, Zulhas Ready to Escort
A number of board members from the Presidium of Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) Partners met with Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan in Jakarta. Present were Gapembi, HMD Gemas, APGI3T, and PBNU. Gapembi Chairman Alven Stony urged the involvement of associations in forums and policy formulation together with the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) to bridge communication and address on-the-ground obstacles.
Alven mentioned that partners' contributions have saved the state budget up to Rp111.28 trillion from the initial plan of building kitchens at Rp4 billion per unit from the state budget. Meanwhile, PBNU representatives M. Nurkhoiron and Ai Rahmawati conveyed that out of the target of 1,000 MBG kitchen points in Islamic boarding schools, only 214 are operational. Several large boarding schools like Darul Ulum Jombang, Tambakberas Jombang, and Lirboyo Kediri are still facing coordination issues with BGN.
Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan said he understands the partners' concerns and is committed not to disadvantage those who have invested. "All reports will be checked and reviewed. Partners are asked to wait as we are establishing communication with the new BGN Head," he stated.
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