The Director of Community Empowerment and Participation of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Tengku Syahdana, S.Kom., CRMO, conducted an inspection visit to the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) kitchen of Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU), which has been operating since January 8, 2026. The visit took place at the UMSU Integrated Campus on Jalan Dwikora, Pasar VI, Saentis Village, Percut Sei Tuan District, Deli Serdang Regency, on Thursday (January 15).
The UMSU SPPG kitchen is the first Muhammadiyah-operated SPPG kitchen in North Sumatra, supported by 47 volunteers. Each day, it produces more than 1,200 portions of Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) for schools in the Deli Serdang area.
Tengku Syahdana stated that the operations of the UMSU SPPG have been running well and should continue to be further improved in the near future.
“The menu is already very good, and all raw materials are sourced from local MSMEs in line with the President’s directive to prioritize local businesses. The kitchen has also recruited people from the surrounding community, and the benefits of this SPPG are already evident. This is very encouraging,” he explained.
He also expressed appreciation for the sustainable supply chain ecosystem managed by UMSU, including its agricultural sector.
“I was informed that starting next week, longan fruit supplied will come from UMSU’s own agricultural production. This is excellent for building an ecosystem. Hopefully, a strong supply chain ecosystem can be realized, and some of the agricultural products here can later be distributed to other SPPG kitchens,” he said.
The Director emphasized that the MBG program should drive the entire economic ecosystem, from job creation to the growth of surrounding MSMEs. Beyond its economic impact, positive feedback has also come from students who are beneficiaries of the MBG program produced by the UMSU SPPG.
“The students’ responses to the MBG meals are very positive. Meeting nutritional needs is the top priority. Once these needs are fulfilled, children can be protected from stunting,” Tengku Syahdana noted after reviewing student testimonials.
He also expressed hope that in the future, the UMSU SPPG kitchen would obtain SLHS certification, BPJS Employment coverage, and additional training for its volunteers.
Meanwhile, UMSU Vice Rector II, Prof. Dr. Akrim, M.Pd., expressed his gratitude for the operation of the first Muhammadiyah SPPG kitchen in North Sumatra.
According to him, the presence of the UMSU SPPG has long been anticipated by the community, even before its official operation, with many schools already requesting MBG supplies.
“While the kitchen was still under construction, schools had already approached us requesting MBG supplies. This program is excellent and noble, and we hope it will continue sustainably,” Prof. Akrim said.
Also in attendance were the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Dr. Ir. Wan Arfiani Barus, M.P., along with vice deans and lecturers; the UMSU SPPG Program Officer Muhammad Haris; Kitchen Head Jaka; and representatives from the National Nutrition Agency.
