PADANG PARIAMAN – The Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions (Mendes PDT), Yandri Susanto, asserted that the central government will impose strict sanctions, including operational suspension or contract termination, for kitchen partners of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program who compromise food quality, mark up budgets, or violate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

He emphasized that the MBG program is not merely a business project or social media content, but a state mandate. Therefore, managers must not neglect food safety or fall short of the quality standards set by the government.

"There were several points we advised on earlier. There is no room for playing around anymore. This is President Prabowo's national strategic program that we must safeguard together. Kitchen partners must not toy with the existing regulations," said Minister Yandri during a visit to a Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) in Padang Pariaman Regency, Friday (April 3, 2026).

Minister Yandri stated that the central government will continue to enhance the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals program by tightening operational standards across all SPPGs in various regions.

He added that currently, hundreds of SPPGs are under temporary suspension because they have yet to meet technical and operational requirements. This step follows President Prabowo's directive to ensure that this national priority program not only has a broad reach but also strictly adheres to established quality standards.

"As of now, more than two thousand SPPG kitchens have been banned or suspended. The government is serious. This concerns the livelihoods of many, the safety of our children, grandchildren, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and the elderly," Minister Yandri elaborated.

In addition to visiting the SPPG, Minister Yandri also inspected a Merah Putih Village Cooperative (KDMP) currently in the final stages of construction in Padang Pariaman.

This visit was part of the government's commitment to strengthening the community-based economic foundation by developing KDMP as a national strategy to elevate local products to wider markets. Minister Yandri emphasized that national economic development must be rooted in the village, noting that KDMP serves as a primary instrument to protect small businesses from unfair trade practices while strengthening the bargaining power of local products.

Furthermore, Minister Yandri launched the kick-off of the Village League (Liga Desa) at the Sirambang Village Field, North Pariaman District, Padang Pariaman. He expressed hope that the league would produce top football talent from various villages.

The program represents a central government intervention to boost the confidence of local players and provide a platform for village potential. Additionally, it aims to scout young talent, stimulate the village economy, and strengthen ties between communities.

The event was attended by a member of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) for the West Sumatra II constituency, Arisal Aziz; Vice Mayor of Pariaman, Mulyadi; and the Regent of Padang Pariaman, John Kenedy Azis. Accompanying Minister Yandri were the Head of BPSDM, Agustomi Masik, and the Head of BPI, Mulyadin Malik.

Photo: Didi/Kemendes PDT 
Text: Dayat/Kemendes PDT