Jakarta – The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has ensured enhanced safety standards in the operation of the Free Nutritious Meals (Makan Bergizi Gratis/MBG) program by tightening Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for vehicles operated by partners of the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG). This step was taken in response to internal evaluations and input from various stakeholders regarding the mechanism for delivering nutritious food to students across Indonesia.
BGN Head Dadan Hindayana stated that strict vehicle inspection SOPs have been in place from the outset. However, field dynamics have prompted improvements and updates to regulations, particularly concerning the process of replacing backup drivers.
“Yes, of course, because we have been implementing this all along. Even in our technical guidelines, it is clearly stated that vehicles used for delivery must be checked at all times. With cases involving driver replacement, this has become new input for BGN and SPPG heads to carefully replace or select backup drivers whose qualifications are equivalent,” Dadan said.
He emphasized that strengthening SOPs is a crucial step to ensuring the safety and security of nutritious food distribution delivered daily to schools. According to him, vehicle safety standards and driver qualifications must be guaranteed without compromise.
“We are committed to improving all aspects related to SOPs, including driver replacement mechanisms and vehicle inspections, and ensuring that MBG service safety standards are implemented to the maximum,” he added.
Meanwhile, Head of BGN’s Legal and Public Relations Bureau, Khairul Hidayati, stated that BGN is conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the entire MBG service chain. This evaluation covers technical, administrative, and procedural aspects related to the safety of food delivery to students.
“BGN is committed to carrying out a thorough and transparent evaluation. We are improving all aspects related to SOPs, including driver replacement mechanisms and vehicle inspections, and ensuring that MBG service safety standards are implemented optimally,” Khairul stressed.
The strengthening of SOPs has received full support from the legislature. Deputy Chair of Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Lalu Hadrian Irfani, assessed that the MBG program, which has a major impact on millions of Indonesian children, requires extra oversight. He emphasized the importance of sound risk management to prevent issues that could endanger students.
“A program of this scale and importance must not operate without ensuring maximum safety for students,” said the PKB legislator from the NTB II electoral district. According to him, all parties involved must ensure that every stage of service is carried out in accordance with the highest safety standards.
Through BGN, the government is committed to continuously strengthening oversight systems and quality control, including leveraging technology to improve the accuracy of distribution monitoring and tightening vehicle operational procedures. These measures are expected to reduce potential risks and ensure that all aspects of service operate in line with established standards.
With the comprehensive tightening of SOPs, the MBG program is expected not only to provide nutritional benefits for Indonesian children, but also to guarantee safety and comfort throughout every stage of its distribution process. The government emphasized that student safety remains the top priority in the sustainability of this national strategic program. (*)
