Gorontalo Regency, Kominfotik – The distribution of the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) in schools continues to be a major focus for Gorontalo Vice Governor Idah Syahidah Rusli Habibie. SD Negeri 6 Tibawa was the next location for a direct inspection on Thursday (10/2/2025), where Idah, accompanied by the Head of the Provincial Health Agency and the MBG Task Force team, monitored the meal distribution process for students.
During the visit, Vice Governor Idah conducted a thorough monitoring, from the meals being unloaded from the vehicle to being carried into the room and distributed to the students. Based on her observations, Idah noted several critical issues that the SPPG (the program manager) must correct in the MBG distribution:
* Transportation SOP Violation: “I observed today, with all due respect, that the transport vehicle was not compliant with SOP. Food should not be kept in the same compartment as the driver without a partition. It would be more appropriate to use a box truck to maintain hygiene.
* Hygiene and Contamination Risk: “I also received information that food is sometimes placed on carpets. This is not allowed; food must be placed on a table to prevent contamination,” Idah emphasized.
Menu and Nutrition Feedback
Regarding the menu, the Vice Governor noted several required improvements:
* Fruit Presentation: The snake fruit (salak) included, though washed, was deemed unsuitable for inclusion in the lunch box (ompreng) as it was prone to opening and attracting insects.
* Portion Size: The portions of vegetables and side dishes like tempeh and tuna fish still need to be increased to ensure a more balanced nutritional intake for the children.
Idah also tasted the MBG menu herself before it was distributed and stressed the importance of handwashing before eating.
“No matter how good the food is, if it’s not preceded by handwashing, it can cause stomach aches. So, the children’s personal cleanliness is also very important,” she stated.
Positive Notes and Overall Goal
Despite the issues, the Vice Governor found some positives, noting that the rice served was soft and of good quality. She assessed that the MBG program is highly beneficial for children, especially those who do not have breakfast at home.
“Food for children must be paid serious attention to. We must treat them like our own children, and what we give must be the best. If the food is finished, it means the children like it. If a lot is left over, that indicates a need for further evaluation,” she added.
As the Head of the Gorontalo Provincial MBG Task Force, Idah also spoke directly with students about their preferred and disliked menu items and monitored whether the meals were eaten completely or left partially uneaten.
At SD Negeri 6 Tibawa, a total of 195 students from grades 1 to 6 participated in the MBG program, with the meal starting at 9:00 AM WITA.
Reported by Echin
Editor: Isam
Translated by Fera
