West Sulawesi DPRD asks nutrition program to use environmental lab for wastewater testing

The West Sulawesi Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) has called on the Free Nutrition Meal (MBG) program's Service Unit for Nutritional Fulfillment (SPPG) to utilize the laboratory facilities of the local Environment and Forestry Agency (DLHK). This directive, issued during a hearing in Mamuju, aims to support the testing of wastewater treatment plants (IPAL) at each SPPG facility.

Usman Suhuria, Chairman of DPRD Commission III, stressed the importance of this measure for ensuring waste management adheres to standards. He also views it as a strategic opportunity to increase West Sulawesi's regional revenue (PAD). "We want all SPPGs in West Sulawesi to utilize the DLHK laboratory for IPAL testing, as long as it complies with the laboratory's provisions and technical capabilities," Suhuria stated.

He further elaborated that optimizing the use of regional government laboratories offers dual benefits: supporting the environmental quality and compliance of SPPG operations while simultaneously enhancing the utilization of regional assets as a source of income. This initiative seeks to maximize the potential of existing public infrastructure.

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We want all SPPGs in West Sulawesi to utilize the DLHK laboratory for IPAL testing, as long as it complies with the laboratory's provisions and technical capabilities.

Fredy Boy, Vice Chairman of Commission III, echoed these sentiments, highlighting that IPAL management is a critical component of the MBG program. While supporting the central government's initiative, he insisted that environmental aspects must not be overlooked. "We support the MBG program, but its waste management must also be considered. Therefore, we encourage SPPGs to use the DLHK laboratory for IPAL testing, so that environmental standards are maintained and regional facilities can contribute to PAD," Fredy said.

Commission III is pushing for immediate coordination between the DLHK and the West Sulawesi National Nutrition Agency (BGN). This collaboration should clarify mechanisms, testing types, laboratory capacity, and funding schemes. The DPRD also advocates for a formal partnership between the West Sulawesi Provincial Government and the BGN to strengthen the use of the DLHK Laboratory in support of the MBG program.

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We support the MBG program, but its waste management must also be considered. Therefore, we encourage SPPGs to use the DLHK laboratory for IPAL testing, so that environmental standards are maintained and regional facilities can contribute to PAD.