Jakarta – The government has confirmed that the Free Nutritional Meals (MBG) Program will continue, even though the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) is currently conducting internal improvements and evaluating its governance. This step is being taken to strengthen program implementation so that its benefits are felt more by the public, especially school children, pregnant women, and other vulnerable groups.
Presidential Chief of Staff, General TNI (ret.) Dudung Abdurachman, emphasized that the change in BGN leadership and the ongoing legal process demonstrate the government’s seriousness in resolving existing issues without halting this priority program.
“The change in BGN leadership and the ongoing legal process demonstrate that the government is not turning a blind eye to the problems that have occurred. The government has the courage to conduct evaluations, correct weaknesses, and improve program governance for future improvements,” said Dudung.
According to Dudung, President Prabowo Subianto has instructed that meeting the community’s nutritional needs remain a top priority despite challenges in its implementation.
“We must not stop just because there are problems, but rather learn from them, improve the system, and ensure that the program’s benefits continue to reach the community,” he said.
As part of its oversight, the Presidential Staff Office (KSP) conducted unannounced inspections of several Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG). The monitoring found that many SPPGs had implemented operational standards effectively.
“From these unannounced inspections, the KSP found that SPPGs were operating according to standards, from kitchen cleanliness, food quality, food safety, distribution accuracy, and service to beneficiaries,” said Dudung.
The government is also tightening its oversight system to ensure more transparent and accountable program implementation. According to Dudung, the success of the Free Nutritional Meal Program (MBG) is measured not only by the number of beneficiaries, but also by the quality of service and food safety.
“This oversight is important because the Free Nutritional Meal Program should not be measured solely by the number of beneficiaries, but must prioritize quality, targeted coverage, food safety, and tangible benefits for the community,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Muhammad Qodari, Head of the Indonesian Government Communications Agency (Bakom), denied rumors that the MBG program was being discontinued in several schools. He emphasized that the program is ongoing and that the moratorium only applies to the construction of new kitchens or SPPGs.
“The implementation of the MBG program hasn’t stopped, but the SPPG program, which is currently in the preparation stage, has been paused,” said Qodari.
He added that evaluation and improvements are ongoing to ensure the MBG program can achieve its primary goal, which is to sustainably meet the nutritional needs of the Indonesian people.