By: Syahana Putri )*
The issue of misappropriation of MBG funds that has recently emerged is actually baseless and has been clarified by various related parties. MBG funds are managed professionally and are strictly supervised by state institutions and involve the active role of the community to ensure their accountability.
The Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) initiated by the government through the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) is one of the strategic efforts to improve the nutritional quality of the Indonesian people, especially children and students. However, along with the large scale of this program—with a budget reaching IDR 70 trillion and the potential for an increase to IDR 170 trillion—issues have also emerged that try to doubt the integrity of its management.
One of the issues that is widely discussed is the alleged misappropriation of funds in the SPPG Kalibata area, Pancoran, South Jakarta. It is important to emphasize that this accusation is baseless and is only an internal problem between partners and foundations, not involving state institutions such as BGN. In fact, in this case, strict supervision by BGN and other state institutions has succeeded in detecting and responding to the situation quickly and transparently.
The Head of BGN, Dadan Hindayana, openly stated that his party had carried out the obligation to pay MBG funds in accordance with the provisions, namely through an official transfer to the Virtual Account of the partner foundation, Media Berkat Nusantara (MBN). There were no deviations in the disbursement procedure by BGN. The case that had surfaced was purely due to an internal misunderstanding between the implementing partner and the foundation, not due to negligence or corruption by the state.
After going through mediation with the parties, including the presence of the Head of BGN, the MBG kitchen activities in Kalibata are now running normally again. This indicates that the multi-layered supervision system has been running as it should.
Furthermore, Dadan emphasized that BGN will be more selective in determining future cooperation partners. This reflects BGN’s responsiveness in responding to the dynamics of the implementation of the MBG program in the field. Not only following up administratively, but also fixing institutional and cooperation aspects so that similar incidents do not happen again. This is a real form of BGN’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the MBG program for the benefit of the community.
In addition to BGN, supervision of MBG funds also involves a number of state institutions that have the authority and competence to oversee public financial accountability. The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), in a meeting with BGN ranks, expressed its support in the form of prevention and monitoring of potential irregularities.
KPK Chairman Setyo Budiyanto even firmly stated that although the potential for fraud remains in large-scale programs, supervision from the KPK and other institutions will ensure that it can be prevented early on. This shows that the state is not turning a blind eye to all possibilities, and has prepared tools and procedures to manage risks systematically.
In order to strengthen supervision, BGN also involves the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency (BPKP), the Audit Board of Indonesia (BPK), and the Attorney General’s Office. Coordination between these institutions is an important foundation in creating a transparent and professional MBG fund management system. All processes, from disbursement, distribution, to reporting, are carried out with strict and structured governance principles. This is a guarantee that MBG funds cannot be managed carelessly by any party.
Community involvement is also an important part of this multi-layered monitoring system. The issues that had surfaced in Kalibata, for example, actually came from the courage of the partners in submitting reports and seeking justice. This shows that the community has the space and opportunity to participate in monitoring this program.
Transparency is the main keyword in the implementation of the MBG program. The issues that had surfaced have been answered openly by BGN. The mediation process was also carried out publicly, and the results were conveyed to the media without anything being covered up. This is proof that the accusations of misappropriation of MBG funds are wrong. The monitoring and risk management system implemented by BGN and cross-state agency supervision have made it difficult for deviations to occur, especially on a large scale.
The government not only prepares programs, but also ensures that their implementation is strictly supervised, from the central level to the regions. Supervision is carried out in a tiered and integrated manner by BGN, supervised by the KPK, BPK, BPKP, and the Attorney General’s Office. Weaknesses at certain points, such as the Kalibata case, do not immediately tarnish the entire program, but rather serve as lessons to strengthen coordination and internal control systems. The open and responsive attitude of BGN shows that the MBG program is…not run carelessly, but with a spirit of professionalism and high accountability.
Therefore, the public does not need to hesitate or worry about the issue of misappropriation of MBG funds. In fact, strict supervision and quick response from the government are proof that MBG funds are managed rigidly and professionally. This program is not only a symbol of the state’s concern for the nutrition of the nation’s children, but also a real example of how the public budget can be managed with the principles of good governance.
Let’s support the implementation of the MBG program and not be easily influenced by inaccurate information. Public trust is the main capital to make this program successful and sustainable for a healthier and more prosperous future for Indonesia.
)* The Author is a Public Policy Observer
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