By: Putri Anindya )*
The government’s efforts to ensure that the nutritional needs of the community, especially vulnerable groups and students, are met, continue to show real progress. The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program, which is currently being rolled out nationally, has become proof of the state’s commitment to providing social justice in the fields of health and education. Not just a food assistance program, MBG is designed as a long-term strategic solution to improve the quality of Indonesian human resources from an early age.
The government’s move to place MBG as a priority in the State Budget (APBN) is a form of seriousness in building a healthy and intelligent future generation. Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani Indrawati said that the budget allocated for MBG reached IDR 171 trillion, with a target of 82.9 million beneficiaries by March 2025. By mid-March 2025, more than two million people had felt the direct benefits of this program.
The details of the data show an even distribution of beneficiaries, ranging from pre-elementary school students, elementary school students, junior high school students, high school students, Islamic boarding school students, to pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. This figure reflects a well-planned distribution system, and proves that the state is present for all levels of society, without discrimination. MBG is also a catalyst for strengthening the local economy through the involvement of farmers, fishermen, and MSMEs as part of the food supply chain.
In its implementation, the government through the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has designed an accountable and transparent fund distribution system. The MBG financing scheme uses a virtual account with a strict control mechanism. Funds can only be disbursed if they have received approval from an authorized official, in this case the Head of the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG). This system provides a guarantee of security for the use of the budget, while protecting the program from potential misuse.
Responding to the dynamics that emerged in the field related to one of MBG’s partners in Kalibata, the Head of BGN, Dadan Hindayana, gave a reassuring explanation. He said that the funds from BGN remain safe and have not been disbursed unilaterally by the foundation, because they are still in a virtual account controlled by a layered system. This affirmation is proof that the security system built by the government is running according to its function.
Furthermore, Dadan Hindayana said that internal evaluations will continue to be carried out in order to improve the implementation of the program. BGN will also tighten the selection process for partners, especially partners who work in partnership or in the form of a consortium. This step is very appropriate to ensure that all implementers in the field have the capacity and integrity to carry out the state’s mandate.
BGN’s approach that prioritizes calm and non-reactive solutions deserves appreciation. In every large-scale national program, it is natural that there are operational dynamics in the field. However, the most important thing is the presence of the institution’s commitment to continuously improve the system without causing public unrest. This method actually strengthens the credibility of the MBG program in the eyes of the wider community.
The government has also succeeded in showing that MBG financing is not only about food distribution, but also the development of a sustainable national nutrition ecosystem. Currently, as many as 726 local public kitchens or SPPGs have been actively operating in various regions. This shows the synergy between the central government, regional governments, and local communities in maintaining the continuity of the program. In fact, indirectly, MBG also creates new jobs and revives the regional economy.
From a fiscal perspective, the use of public funds for MBG fully reflects the principle of result-based budgeting. The government does not only focus on budget absorption, but also on the effectiveness of its benefits in improving the quality of life of the community. Transparency in distribution and reporting is also part of the principle of good governance and should be used as an example for other programs.
MBG is a representation of a country that not only builds physical infrastructure, but also builds a strong humanitarian foundation. By ensuring that every child and mother has access to nutritious food, the government is making important investments for the future of the nation. A healthy, productive, and resilient Indonesian society is born from appropriate, measurable, and consistent policies like this.
The government’s steps in maintaining the integrity of the program through accountable mechanisms, as well as openness of information to the public, are a reflection of increasingly mature governance. In the future, this program will continue to be an important pillar in Indonesia’s human development strategy. Therefore, support from allall stakeholders are needed so that the success of MBG is not only sustainable, but also develops more widely and inclusively.
With a strong commitment from technical ministries and implementing institutions, as well as a strict monitoring system, MBG financing has been managed with great care. This step is a real example that the state is not only present, but also works intelligently and measurably for the welfare of the community. MBG is not just a program, but a symbol of the presence of justice and hope on every Indonesian child’s plate.
)* Observer of Nutrition and Social Inclusion Issues
