PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - As many as 22 regions in West Java simultaneously started implementing the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program to coincide with the first day of school, Monday (6/1/2025).

Of the 22 regions that have started MBG, eight regions have even reported on the first day's progress, namely the city of Bandung,
Sukabumi City, Bogor City, Bogor Regency, Purwakarta Regency, Cimahi City, Pangandaran Regency, and Tasikmalaya City.

Meanwhile, five regions have not implemented MBG, namely Sumedang Regency, Kuningan Regency, Indramayu Regency, Cirebon Regency, and Banjar City.

According to the Acting Governor of West Java, Bey Machmudin, MBG in West Java, as in other provinces, is being carried out in stages. "Not all of it, it is indeed gradual. Later, we will wait for what the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) will do," said Bey Machmudin after the Plenary Meeting at the West Java DPRD office, Jalan Diponegoro, Bandung City, Monday (6/1/2025).

Bey appreciates the local governments that move quickly to report the implementation of MGB in their respective regions. Reports are very important for evaluation, both in terms of food menus, distribution, and other field techniques.

"This has just started, so there is no complete report yet. Earlier, the Regional Secretary reported that out of 22 districts/cities, only eight have received reports," said Bey.

In order to support the MBG program, the West Java Provincial Government has budgeted around Rp1 trillion from the APBD. However, its technical use is still awaiting further direction from the National Nutrition Agency. "We have prepared a budget of Rp1 trillion. Once there is technical direction, all that remains is to carry out the procedure," said Bey.

West Java itself has 54 Food and Nutrition Agriculture Centers (SPPG) or MBG kitchens spread across 27 districts and cities. While the target itself is 727 MBG kitchens which will be established in stages until 2025.

For this reason, the West Java Provincial Government continues to coordinate with BGN to perfect the implementation mechanism and technical aspects of food distribution.

"The technicalities are determined by BGN. We are still waiting for direction, especially after the implementation of this initial stage is completed," said Bey.

Bey hopes that MBG in 22 regions that have been running, will be better from day to day. For the five regions that have not implemented, Bery hopes to follow soon.

MBG is a Central Government program to fulfill the nutrition of school children from PAUD to SMA, both in public and private schools. MBG also targets toddlers, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers.

The following areas in West Java have implemented MBG:

1. Bandung Regency
2. West Bandung Regency
3. Bekasi Regency
4. Bogor Regency
5. Ciamis Regency
6. Cianjur Regency
7. Garut Regency
8. Karawang Regency
9. Majalengka Regency
10. Pangandaran Regency
11. Purwakarta Regency
12. Subang Regency
13. Sukabumi Regency
14. Tasikmalaya Regency
15. Bandung City
16. Bekasi City
17. Bogor City
18. Cimahi City
19. Cirebon City
20. Depok City
21. City of Sukabumi
22. Tasikmalaya City.

Regions that have not implemented MBG:
1. Sumedang Regency
2. Kuningan Regency
3. Indramayu Regency
4. Cirebon Regency
5. Banjar City.