North Minahasa – The Chief of Staff to the President, Lt. Gen. TNI (Ret.) AM Putranto officially opened the 6th National Congress of the Association of Indonesian Regency Governments (MUNAS APKASI) in North Minahasa Regency on Friday, May 30, 2025.
The opening ceremony was symbolically marked by AM Putranto striking the tetengkoren (a traditional bamboo musical instrument originating from the Talaud Islands, North Sulawesi), alongside North Sulawesi Governor Maj. Gen. TNI (Ret.) Yulius Selvanus and North Minahasa Regent Joune Ganda.
In his remarks, AM Putranto congratulated the North Minahasa Regency Government for successfully hosting the APKASI National Congress.
“Warm regards from President Prabowo Subianto, who greatly appreciates the successful organization of this 6th APKASI National Congress. President Prabowo expresses his gratitude and apologies for not being able to attend. He is pleased that the congress is being held here, in his hometown,” said AM Putranto.
Following the opening ceremony, AM Putranto continued his visit to the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) Program kitchen at the 1309 Manado Military District Command complex in Winangun Dua Subdistrict. There, he inspected the kitchen facilities, engaged in dialogue with volunteers, and emphasized the importance of maintaining cleanliness and food quality.
“I have checked everything by the procedures and standards set by the National Nutrition Agency. “I want cleanliness to be strictly observed when processing food ingredients, especially vegetables,” he advised.
AM Putranto also expressed appreciation for the full support of the Cahaya Langowan Nusantara Foundation in implementing the MBG program for school students. It conveyed the President’s message encouraging all parties to work together to ensure the sustainability of the program.
As part of his visit, AM Putranto also joined the North Sulawesi Off-Road Community in visiting a senior citizens’ group in Wusa Village, North Minahasa. The gathering was warm and friendly, filled with laughter and heartfelt conversations with the elderly residents.
To conclude his trip in North Sulawesi, AM Putranto tested an off-road track in Wusa Village before departing for Jakarta via Sam Ratulangi Airport.
