Gorontalo City, Kominfotik – The Gorontalo Provincial Gov’t has begun anticipating a surge in the need for raw materials as the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals Program expands in the region. Gorontalo Governor Gusnar Ismail stressed that the strengthening of local supply must be prepared early so that the program’s expansion does not trigger a rise in food prices.
”I emphasize to all stakeholders related to MBG to build an ecosystem, preparing the raw material supply when this MBG expands, indicated by the increasing number of SPPGs. For instance, what must be pushed immediately is the agricultural sector,” Gusnar stated in an interview after chairing the MBG evaluation meeting at the Governor’s Official Residence Hall on Thursday (6/11/2025).
Currently, out of 41 potential Nutritious Food Provider Centers (Sentra Penyedia Pangan Gizi – SPPG), only 22 are operational, with a target to add 19 units by the end of December. Gusnar asked the MBG Task Force to map out the sources of local commodities surrounding the SPPGs to ensure a consistent supply of raw materials.
He considers the use of local raw materials important to prevent inflation, especially for commodities like chili, and to ensure that economic activity continues to circulate at the community level. The provincial government is also directing collaboration with the TP PKK (Family Welfare Movement) to strengthen horticultural production and has prepared budget support for 2026.
Regarding the need for milk as part of the nutritional fulfillment, Gusnar mentioned that the region is currently not accustomed to dairy cow production. The provincial government will study the possibility of gradually introducing dairy cows so that milk production can be done locally.
Reported by Mila
Translated by Fera
