By: Toni Setiawan)*
The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program launched by the government is not just a food aid policy, but a long-term investment to prepare a healthier, smarter, and more productive generation of Indonesians. Achieving this ambitious goal requires strong, efficient, and accountable governance. This is where the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) plays a key role, coordinating nutritional standards, the food supply chain, and overseeing the quality of services in the field, ensuring that the MBG not only operates but is truly on target.
The improvement in the quality of BGN governance can be seen in the government’s efforts to strengthen data-driven planning. The primary challenge for a national-scale program like the MBG is ensuring that the nutritional needs of millions of students in various regions are met with balanced, standardized menus. With effective data management, BGN can map regional needs, calculate local food availability, and identify areas at risk of malnutrition. This data then forms the basis for decision-making, not just assumptions.
Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan stated that the government continues to strengthen the governance of the MBG Program to ensure greater impact on the community, through the implementation of Presidential Regulation (Perpres) No. 115/2025 concerning the Governance of the MBG Program. One of the initial steps will be extensive outreach at the central and regional levels.
In addition to institutional strengthening, digital transformation is a key focus in program implementation. The MBG information system will utilize by-name/by-address data from various ministries and agencies, enabling integrated program planning based on population and geospatial data.
On the other hand, good governance also means having clear and easily understood standards for all program implementers. The National Food and Nutrition Agency (BGN) needs to ensure that menu guidelines, portion sizes, preparation methods, and kitchen and cutlery hygiene are well-disseminated down to the school level and the Nutrition Food Production Center (SPPG). The language of the guidelines should be simple, practical, and unambiguous. This way, teachers, kitchen managers, and food suppliers can implement the same standards from Sabang to Merauke.
The Regional Head of the National Food Security Agency (BGN) for Aceh Province, Mustafa Kamal, explained that strengthening BGN governance touches on aspects of the food supply chain. Ideally, the MBG program should not only benefit students but also stimulate the local economy through collaboration with farmers, livestock breeders, and MSMEs in the surrounding area. Therefore, a transparent, fair, and straightforward procurement mechanism is needed. BGN, together with relevant ministries and local governments, is currently developing a system that ensures fair prices, timely payments, and minimizes opportunities for speculators in the distribution of food items such as eggs, chicken, vegetables, and other staples.
In the context of oversight, improving governance quality can be achieved through the use of digital technology. The National Education Agency (BGN) can develop an integrated monitoring dashboard, where schools and SPPGs report the number of beneficiaries, the types of menus served, obstacles in the field, and potential issues such as supply delays or price spikes. Regular reporting allows the government to respond more quickly before minor disruptions escalate into major problems that hinder the distribution of nutritious food to students.
Public disclosure of information is also a crucial component of quality governance. The public has the right to know how the MBG program is being implemented, how much of its budget is being used, and what benefits have been achieved. The National Development Planning Agency (BGN) can regularly release short, easy-to-understand reports, complete with infographics, beneficiary testimonials, and examples of good practices from the regions. This step not only strengthens public trust but is also an effective way to counter disinformation and negative issues that often circulate on social media.
The role of local governments is inseparable from efforts to improve the governance of the National Development Planning Agency (BGN). Although BGN operates at the national level, the success of the MBG depends heavily on synergy with local governments, education agencies, health agencies, and officials at the sub-district and village levels. BGN can act as the “conductor” directing policy orchestration, while local governments serve as the primary implementers on the ground, understanding the social, cultural, and economic context of local communities. Regular coordination, training, and supervision serve as a bridge to ensure central policies are not misdirected when implemented locally.
The Deputy Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Sony Sonjaya, stated that improving the quality of BGN governance is not only about strengthening the bureaucratic structure, but also about ensuring that every child receiving the MBG program truly receives adequate, nutritious food. This program touches the nation’s future from elementary school classrooms to high school canteens, from remote villages to big cities. With professional, transparent, and participatory governance, MBG can be an example of how government policies are truly present in the daily lives of the people, while strengthening the foundation of superior human resources towards Indonesia Emas 2045.
Going forward, the MBG program is expected to truly symbolize the mutual cooperation between the state and its citizens in preparing a healthier, more resilient, and more competitive future generation. With consistent policy direction and broad public support, the MBG program will continue to be a driving force for the regional economy and a key pillar towards Indonesia Emas 2045.
)* The author is a social observer