PORTALJABAR, BOGOR CITY - The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program from President Prabowo Subianto has had a direct impact on the growth and development of students in Bogor City.

Among them is the growth of students at Binagreha Middle School, Bogor City, which has increased.

Binagreha Middle School Principal Lala Nurrella said that the students received the MBG program from President Prabowo since January 2025.

During more than three months of participating in the program, children at Binagreha Middle School experienced increased growth and development, both in terms of weight, height, and academic abilities.

"Because from the beginning we had scales first. So we have a program to record children's weight and height, and to channel children's academics. Alhamdulillah there is an increase in weight for those who are lacking, and those who are sufficient remain stable, and height and academics have also increased," he said.

The results were also acknowledged by the parents of the students who were very happy that their children received the program.

"The children's response is certainly very happy, and so are the parents. They often report that their children's condition has improved. Because we know, not all children can have breakfast or lunch at home with sufficient nutritious food. And here, it so happens that 50 percent of students come from poor or underprivileged families," he said.

Lala hopes that with this program, Binagreha graduates can also be competitive with children in other schools, and in the future can become a school with superior quality.

The enthusiasm of the children while enjoying this free nutritious food was witnessed directly by the Mayor of Bogor, Dedie A. Rachim, after seeing the production process to distribution to the children's study tables.

"That's why they eat it, everyone likes it, the menu is delicious, and it changes every day. The children are also more enthusiastic. I also asked earlier and thank God the children's weight and height have increased," said Dedie.

Currently, Dedie continued, his party intends to target the addition of Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) which will become the kitchen in the MBG program to support and make President Prabowo Subianto's program a success.

Dedie said, currently there are 120,000 students in Bogor City who must be served by the MBG program.

Therefore, around 82 kitchen points are needed to serve, with the capacity of one kitchen being able to serve 2,000 to 3,000 students.

Since its launch in January 2025, there are currently four SPPGs in Bogor City.

It is targeted that two more kitchens will be added, which are expected to start being used next August.

"So imagine if we want to add 10 more, we need time. This really has to be a partnership between the land asset owners and of course someone who builds the kitchen and also the equipment, including the human resources and also the suppliers of logistics or basic necessities. This is certainly a good program, but we have to think together," he said. (Bogor City Communication and Information Service/UPI)