MBG Kitchens Operate in 38 Provinces, Providing Healthy Meals for Tens of Millions of Children
By: Juana Syahril*
The Free Nutritional Meals (MBG) Program is now entering a crucial phase of its implementation, marked by the operation of thousands of MBG kitchens in 38 provinces. This national program, initiated to strengthen the nutritional quality of Indonesian children, is growing rapidly, both in terms of service coverage and kitchen infrastructure readiness. With its expanding operations, MBG is projected to be able to provide healthy meals for tens of millions of children across Indonesia, while simultaneously strengthening the foundation for human resource development from an early age.
The Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Dadan Hindayana, stated that significant progress has been achieved to date, with the establishment of 16,503 Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) evenly distributed across 38 provinces, 509 regencies, and 7,022 sub-districts. This coverage demonstrates that MBG kitchens are truly operating on a national scale and are a primary instrument for providing healthy meals to children from various social backgrounds and geographic regions.
This success didn’t come easily. The government, through the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), continues to build a robust system to ensure all MBG kitchens meet the same service standards, both in large cities and remote areas. With more than 14,000 additional SPPGs under preparation, MBG service coverage is expected to continue to grow. The high level of interest from potential partners has even led to the permanent closure of the registration portal, allowing for focused coaching on registered partners and to ensure service quality is strengthened.
To maintain the quality of food provided to children, every MBG kitchen in all provinces is required to adhere to strict standard operating procedures (SOPs). Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, Deputy Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), emphasized the importance of discipline among all partners, foundations, and SPPG heads in implementing these SOPs. She stated that the existence of MBG kitchens is not only about meeting the target number of kitchens, but also ensuring that every portion of food served is safe, hygienic, and nutritious.
This emphasis on quality is especially relevant considering that MBG kitchens serve tens of millions of children daily. With such a large scale, food safety is key to ensuring the program runs consistently and without interruption. Therefore, the government is providing support in the form of an SPPG facility incentive of IDR 6 million per operational day for each kitchen. This incentive is not based on the number of portions served, but rather as compensation for the facility’s readiness, which must consistently meet BGN standards.
This incentive is valid for the first two years and will be evaluated in subsequent periods. Eny Indarti, Director of the Nutrition Fulfillment System, Deputy for Systems and Governance at BGN, explained this policy. Eny Indarti stated that each kitchen remains ready to operate with consistent quality, without being hampered by equipment shortages or substandard kitchen conditions. With this support, each kitchen in 38 provinces can optimally fulfill its role in providing nutritious food.
MBG’s operational coverage across all provinces has a broad impact on fulfilling the nutritional needs of Indonesian children, not only in large cities but also in rural areas, islands, and remote areas. With the presence of MBG kitchens serving as distribution centers for healthy menus, the government ensures that access to quality nutrition is no longer a barrier to child development. This also strengthens the national commitment to creating a healthier, smarter, and more productive young generation.
MBG also creates a multiplier effect for the community. In addition to providing healthy meals, this program opens up opportunities for collaboration with local farmers, food micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), as well as nutrition experts and kitchen managers in the regions. MBG kitchens in 38 provinces serve as hubs driving a more organized healthy food supply chain. Thus, the program’s benefits not only benefit children but also support local economic growth by strengthening the nutritious food ecosystem.
The successful deployment of MBG kitchens in 38 provinces is inseparable from the well-planned work involving various parties. A strong commitment from the government, ministries, and other institutions ensures that every strategic decision is directed towards ensuring the quality and sustainability of the program. Strict supervision of SOPs, provision of facility incentives, and the establishment of thousands of SPPGs are key pillars in ensuring the equitable delivery of healthy meal services.
With increasingly mature operations, the MBG program is projected to reach tens of millions of children sustainably. The availability of healthy menus every day not only improves nutritional status but also supports concentration in learning, reduces the risk of stunting, and improves the quality of life for Indonesian children.Ultimately, the MBG kitchens, which have been established in 38 provinces, are proof of the state’s concrete presence in building the foundations for future generations.
The Free Nutritious Meal Program is not just a short-term solution, but a strategic investment in realizing a healthier and more competitive Indonesia. With MBG kitchens operating across the country, the steps towards a future for the golden generation are becoming more tangible and measurable.
)* The author is a Bogor student living in Jakarta
