By: Bara Winatha)
The Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) is one of the government’s strategic policies aimed at improving the quality of Indonesia’s human resources from an early age. As the program continues to be implemented across various regions, the government is now taking an important step by recalibrating the program’s standards through strengthened regulations, improved operational oversight, and input from academics as well as regional governments. This effort demonstrates the state’s seriousness in ensuring that MBG is not merely a populist initiative, but truly becomes a sustainable instrument for improving national nutritional quality.
The Head of the Legal and Public Relations Bureau of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Khairul Hidayati, stated that the government is currently finalizing supporting regulations for the implementation of the MBG Program through the drafting of an Agency Regulation on Nutritional Standards. She explained that the drafting process is being carried out through harmonization meetings with the Ministry of Law of the Republic of Indonesia, particularly the Directorate General of Legislation, as part of efforts to align and refine the regulatory framework. This regulation will serve as an important foundation to ensure that MBG implementation throughout Indonesia has clear, uniform nutritional standards based on the needs of target groups.
Furthermore, she believes that strengthening regulations will also form the basis for guidance, monitoring, and supervision of program implementation. With measurable standards in place, the government will have stronger instruments to evaluate the performance of implementers in the field while ensuring that service quality is maintained. From a public policy perspective, this step reflects an effort to recalibrate the program so that its implementation becomes more effective and accountable.
Beyond the regulatory aspect, strengthening operational standards at the regional level is also an important part of the MBG recalibration process. Deputy Governor of East Java, Emil Elestianto Dardak, emphasized that the operational standards of the Nutritional Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) within the MBG program are non-negotiable because they are directly related to service quality and food safety received by the public. He explained that regional governments routinely coordinate with the National Nutrition Agency to report various findings and issues that arise during the implementation of the program in the field.
According to him, the National Nutrition Agency’s decision to take firm action against several SPPG units that have not met operational standards is an important step in maintaining the quality of the program. He believes that the temporary suspension of units with potential risks sends a clear signal that the government does not tolerate violations of established quality standards.
He added that regional governments fully support the government’s efforts to tighten operational standards, including the requirement for Hygiene and Sanitation Eligibility Certificates (SLHS) for every SPPG unit. According to him, the certification serves as an important indicator to ensure that food preparation kitchens truly meet the required hygiene and food safety standards.
At the same time, contributions from the academic community also provide important perspectives in strengthening the quality of the MBG Program. The Head of the Food Technology Study Program at Universitas Muhammadiyah Bandung, Khairiah, stated that the MBG program should not merely be viewed as an effort to address student hunger, but rather as a strategic initiative to ensure optimal nutritional intake for children. She explained that the success of the program depends heavily on the application of high standards of food safety, halal compliance, and adequate nutritional content.
Khairiah noted that one of the biggest challenges in implementing MBG is maintaining the quality of food ingredients from upstream to downstream. She explained that the nutritional value of meals is strongly influenced by the condition of the raw ingredients used. Therefore, selecting fresh food ingredients, minimizing pesticide exposure, and ensuring high nutritional quality should become priorities in designing MBG menus.
Furthermore, Khairiah emphasized that the MBG Program represents a long-term investment in the development of Indonesia’s human resources. The quality of food consumed by children today will greatly influence their health conditions and intellectual capabilities in the future. Therefore, strengthening the program’s quality standards is a highly appropriate step to ensure the long-term benefits of this policy.
Various efforts to strengthen regulations, operational oversight, and academic input indicate that the government is undertaking a comprehensive recalibration of the MBG Program’s implementation. This process is not only intended to address weaknesses that emerged during the early stages of implementation but also to ensure that the program can evolve into a stronger and more sustainable national nutrition service system.
The recalibration of program standards also reflects the government’s commitment to maintaining accountability in public policy. With clear standards and strict oversight, public trust in the MBG program is expected to continue growing. This is important because the success of the program depends not only on government policy but also on public support and participation.
With strong regulatory backing, strict operational standards, and contributions of ideas from various stakeholders, the MBG Program has significant potential to become one of the most strategic policies for improving the nutritional quality of the Indonesian population. Ultimately, the success of the program will not only be reflected in the fulfillment of schoolchildren’s daily meal needs, but also in the improved health, intelligence, and competitiveness of the nation’s future generations.
) The author is a social and community affairs observer.
