National Nutrition Agency to Build New Kitchens for Stunting Program in High-Risk Areas

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) of Indonesia is set to intensify its efforts to combat stunting by prioritizing the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program in areas identified with high prevalence rates of the condition. This strategic focus aligns with President Prabowo Subianto's key policy objectives aimed at improving child nutrition across the nation.

BGN Head Sudaryono stated that the agency has received crucial data from the Ministry of Health, outlining specific regencies and cities grappling with severe stunting issues. This information will serve as the foundation for BGN's operational planning and resource deployment. Sudaryono emphasized that the agency is prepared to go the extra mile, including building new kitchens, if existing nutrition service units (SPPG) are insufficient in targeted high-stunting areas.

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Based on the map provided by the Minister of Health, there are regencies/cities with high and very high stunting rates.

The agency will synchronize the Ministry of Health's stunting data with the current distribution of MBG kitchens. Where facilities already exist, BGN will promptly initiate services for children affected by stunting. For areas identified as critical but lacking the necessary infrastructure, BGN is committed to establishing dedicated kitchens to ensure no child is left without access to nutritious meals. This proactive approach underscores the government's commitment to addressing the critical issue of child malnutrition and its long-term developmental consequences.

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If there are no kitchens yet, we will specifically create kitchens in those places if necessary.