Yogyakarta supports Gunungkidul as national model for transparent meal program

The Yogyakarta provincial government is backing Gunungkidul to become a national example for transparent management of its Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program. This initiative aims to improve the nutritional status of the community, from toddlers to the elderly.

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The Bijana Paksi Sitengsu Foundation and its management held a coordination program for Lumbung Mataraman Simetris in Yogyakarta. Strengthening the productive economic ecosystem, Lumbung Mataram - Simetris prioritizes transparency and efforts to anticipate cases of food poisoning.

A key strategy involves integrating the Lumbung Mataraman program as the primary supplier for the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG), utilizing the Simetris IT application. This integration was a central focus during a cross-sectoral coordination meeting discussing the synergy between regional food security programs and national policies.

Kartika Megawardhani, Chair of the Bijana Paksi Sitengsu Foundation, emphasized that the MBG program is being refined through various cross-sectoral efforts to ensure the quality, sterilization, and hygiene of distributed food. "The Bijana Paksi Sitengsu Foundation and its management held a coordination program for Lumbung Mataraman Simetris in Yogyakarta. Strengthening the productive economic ecosystem, Lumbung Mataram - Simetris prioritizes transparency and efforts to anticipate cases of food poisoning," she stated.

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The goal is how the free nutritious meal program will be further improved and more perfect in the future, so that the benefits of this program are truly felt by the community, target groups, farmers, MSMEs, and so on.

The program not only focuses on nutritional fulfillment but also stimulates the grassroots economy by involving local farmers and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This approach ensures that economic benefits are distributed evenly and fairly. The regional synergy aligns with Governor of Yogyakarta, Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X's, firm instructions for all MBG program managers to prioritize budget transparency and reasonable cost breakdowns. He stressed that meal menus should not be haphazardly prepared and budget management must be accountable to maintain premium food quality.

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With the involvement of many parties from farmers to MSMEs in the surrounding environment, the distribution of economic benefits can be felt evenly and fairly.