Gorontalo City, Kominfotik – The Vice Governor of Gorontalo and Head of the Task Force for the Acceleration of the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG), Idah Syahidah Rusli Habibie, served as a speaker on the “Bincang Sehat” (Healthy Talk) program. The show was broadcast live from the Media Center Studio of the Gorontalo Provincial Health Agency on Thursday (10/2/2025). During the event, Vice Governor Idah shared her experience and strategies for implementing the MBG program in schools.
Idah revealed that she regularly conducts unannounced inspections (sidak), starting in the early hours of the morning at the Nutritional Program Processing Centers (SPPG) and continuing on to the schools targeted by the MBG. This is to ensure that every stage—from ingredient shopping and processing to food distribution—is carried out according to the Standard Operational Procedures (SOP).
“I arrive at 3:30 AM to directly observe the food processing. Everything must comply with SOP so that the children are safe from food poisoning,” Idah stated.
To date, the Vice Governor and a team from the Health Agency, Food Agency, POM Agency (Drug and Food Control), and the Gorontalo Regional Police have inspected six SPPGs. The monitoring revealed several deficiencies, such as improper storage of ingredients, the use of plastic containers for cooked vegetables, and delayed food distribution.
The MBG program targets children from kindergarten to high school with nutritionally balanced meals. Vice Governor Idah also emphasized the importance of cleanliness before eating, including the habit of handwashing for both teachers and students. Currently, 19 SPPGs are ready to serve the MBG distribution, while 71 others are still in the preparation phase.
“This program is a long-term investment in the quality of human resources. Children must be healthy, protected from stunting, and grow up smart. All parties must ensure that the food they receive is truly nutritious and safe,” she concluded.
The “Bincang Sehat” program, themed “Protecting MBG from Poisoning,” also featured Siti Amalia Gumohong (Gorontalo Regional Deputy Coordinator), Arisanti Selin Kukus (Head of SPPG Telaga), and several officials and health workers.
Reported by Fadilla
Editor: Echin
Translated by Fera
