Banten reviews MBG, suspends 63 kitchens during school break

The Banten provincial government is reviewing the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals Program (MBG) during the school break, including suspending 63 kitchens because the beneficiary map and infrastructure are considered out of balance. Banten Assistant Regional Secretary I Komarudin said operations at all Nutritional Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) may be halted temporarily so data improvements can be carried out comprehensively. He said the number of beneficiaries has reached only 2.9 million people, still about 600,000 short of the 3.5 million target. On the other hand, about 1,340 kitchens have been established, exceeding the target of 1,171 units. The review also opens the possibility of shifting priority groups from students in general to toddlers, pregnant women, preschool children, and residents in 3T areas. The step aligns with policy adjustments at the central government level.