By: Jodi Mahendra*
The Indonesian government continues to demonstrate strong commitment to ensuring the effective implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG), prioritizing hygiene and nutritional quality. The program aims to improve the nutritional status of the population, particularly children and vulnerable groups, in order to create a healthy and productive generation. Since its launch on January 6, 2025, the MBG program has operated 190 kitchens across 26 provinces. Each kitchen is managed by a Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG), composed of a unit head, nutritionists, and administrative staff.
The MBG program targets various groups, including toddlers, school children, Islamic boarding school students, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers. The daily meal plans are designed to fulfill 20–25% of the daily nutritional needs in the morning and 30–35% at lunchtime, based on the national Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) standards.
To ensure food safety, the Ministry of Health emphasizes the importance of food quality monitoring. Drawing on historical data from 2024, which highlighted food safety challenges, the government has taken proactive measures to strengthen hygiene and sanitation standards within the MBG program. These findings formed the basis for stricter food safety protocols.
As a preventive measure, the Ministry of Health issued a Circular Letter regarding the Support, Supervision, and Development of Ready-to-Eat Food Safety. The letter mandates that MBG food providers must obtain a Sanitation and Hygiene Feasibility Certificate (SLHS) via the Online Single Submission (OSS) system. Furthermore, providers are required to store food samples in a freezer for 48 hours (2×24 hours) as a precaution against potential food safety issues.
The National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) also plays an active role in overseeing the food quality of the MBG program. BPOM Head Taruna Ikrar affirmed the agency’s readiness to support the program through quality and safety monitoring. To strengthen cross-sectoral collaboration, BPOM and the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) signed a memorandum of understanding on January 23, 2025, to enhance joint supervision of the MBG program. Support also comes from the Ministry of Trade, with the Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, Zulkifli Hasan, stressing that food safety must be ensured for the program to deliver maximum benefit.
The MBG program is backed by a strong central government commitment, with a budget allocation of IDR 71 trillion from the 2025 State Budget (APBN). These funds are used for food procurement and distribution, monitoring systems, and educational campaigns to promote nutritious diets. In addition to central support, regional governments have enthusiastically contributed up to IDR 2.5 trillion to support the program’s implementation. Participating regions are also committed to empowering local economic sectors, particularly farmers, fishers, and small businesses supplying ingredients to MBG kitchens.
Beyond food distribution, MBG is also designed as an educational platform to raise public awareness about healthy and balanced nutrition. This approach aims to ensure beneficiaries are not only recipients of food aid but also gain a deeper understanding of daily nutritional needs and long-term health. The program also encourages the involvement of local communities and leaders in driving behavioral changes at the grassroots level.
According to BGN Head Dadan Hindayana, the MBG program is a strategic step in improving national nutrition and creating long-term impacts on human resource quality. He noted that the program’s success depends on consistent food delivery and continuous nutrition education.
Meanwhile, BPOM Head Taruna Ikrar reiterated that food safety oversight is crucial to ensuring that meals provided are truly safe and fit for consumption. On the other hand, Coordinating Minister Zulkifli Hasan highlighted the importance of inter-agency monitoring to ensure that food procurement and distribution processes are conducted with high accountability.
The MBG program is a tangible proof of the government’s presence in guaranteeing the right to nutritious food for all citizens, particularly the most vulnerable groups. With strict oversight systems, substantial funding, and inter-agency collaboration, MBG is projected to bring significant change in the fight against stunting, malnutrition, and in strengthening national food resilience. It is hoped that this program will foster a healthier, smarter, and more resilient younger generation prepared to meet future challenges.
The government has also taken a proactive stance through rigorous monitoring, food safety certification, and cross-ministerial engagement involving the Ministry of Health, BPOM, and BGN. Regional governments are also involved in funding and implementing the program, strengthening the principles of decentralization and active participation.
With transparent oversight mechanisms, multi-sectoral collaboration, and a focus on local economic empowerment, the government deserves recognition for its consistent and measurable commitment to ensuring the MBG program is safe, hygienic, nutritious, and sustainable for all levels of society.
*) The author is a Social and Community Affairs Observer
