Jakarta – The government has shown a strong commitment to ensuring the continuity of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program by responding quickly to the polemic regarding the delay in payment of funds for the program. In a short time, cross-ministerial coordination was successfully carried out to ensure that all parties involved receive their rights on time.
The Head of the National Nutrition Agency, Dadan Hindayana explained the funding pattern to MBG partners. According to him, his party has now changed the funding pattern.
“For the next 10 days, the down payment has now been sent. So why is this Nutritious Meal program not immediately after Eid? Because we are changing the funding pattern,” said Dadan.
He further detailed the issue of partners and foundations. Dadan said that this week starting from April 14 onwards, partners no longer need to spend capital for the program.
“Starting this week, the 14th onwards, the Nutrition Agency is changing the funding pattern. So partners no longer need to spend money to carry out the entire program. But the Nutrition Agency is the one that sends money for the next 10 days,” he said.
MBG payment mechanism, Dadan explained that his party will send funds through a virtual account (VA) joint account between the Nutrition Service Management Unit (SPPG) and partners.
“So now it is all through a virtual account. It is a joint account between the Head of SPPG and partners. Even if the foundation is one, let’s say for example the foundation owned by the Police. One throughout Indonesia. But each service unit has one virtual account, specifically for that service unit,” he said.
Meanwhile, Member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Irma Suryani Chaniago, revealed that her party had communicated with the Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Dadan Hindayana, regarding the polemic of the unpaid funds for the MBG program in Kalibata, South Jakarta.
Irma explained, based on the statement of the Head of BGN, her institution had distributed the budget smoothly to the foundation that was the implementing partner. In fact, the budget for the needs of the next week has also been funded in advance by BGN.
“This program is indeed sensitive and requires extra tight control, because it is about food. I have checked with Mr. Dadan. Regarding BGN payments to the foundation, it is smooth, even BGN funds spending for the next week every month,” said Irma. This responsive and solution-oriented step reflects the government’s seriousness in providing reliable public services that side with the people. The public is urged to remain calm and support the implementation of the program for the future of Indonesian children who are healthier and smarter.
