By: Dhita Karuniawati
The Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) is a government initiative aimed at improving public welfare, particularly for school children and vulnerable groups. This program ensures that every recipient receives adequate nutritional intake in accordance with established health standards. President Prabowo’s administration guarantees that the MBG program meets portion and quality standards as per the applicable regulations.
In its implementation, MBG not only provides free meals but also ensures that the portions and quality of the food comply with existing standards. This program is expected to reduce malnutrition rates, enhance immune systems, and support optimal growth and development for children and other beneficiaries.
The government has set portion and quality standards that must be met for the MBG program to run effectively. These standards refer to the Balanced Nutrition Guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and regulations from global food and health organizations such as the FAO and WHO.
The implementation of the MBG program has faced some criticism and negative issues. One of the concerns was raised by the Chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), Setyo Budiyanto, who revealed that KPK received reports that the budget for the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) was being manipulated. The amount of budget allocated by the central government was reportedly reduced when it reached regional governments, affecting the quality of the meals.
Aside from budget cuts, KPK also suspects fraud in determining the nutritional service unit (SPPG). Some areas are allegedly receiving special treatment. Such exclusive selection could create loopholes for corruption within the Free Nutritious Meal Program. KPK also highlighted inconsistencies in milk distribution across different regions, urging the government to standardize the milk provided to children.
The Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Dadan Hindayana, clarified issues regarding the MBG budget per meal portion being altered from IDR 10,000 to IDR 8,000.
Dadan explained that the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), which received the report, had not yet received an explanation that the raw material budget allocations indeed varied. The budget set for early childhood education (PAUD) students up to third-grade elementary school students is IDR 8,000, while for older children, it is IDR 10,000.
According to Dadan, this budget variation occurs in almost all parts of western Indonesia. However, the allocation can change based on the cost of raw materials in different regions. The use of the raw material budget follows an at-cost principle—if there is excess, the budget is returned, and if there is a shortage, additional funds are provided. This budget is formulated by partners and the Head of SPPG every 10 days, with detailed initial calculations of the number of beneficiaries.
Similarly, the Head of the Presidential Communication Office (PCO), Hasan Nasbi, questioned where KPK’s findings were located so they could be examined and verified. Hasan stated that the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) also promised to conduct direct field checks. However, he emphasized that the report to KPK must include complete information on when and where the budget cuts for the free nutritious meal program took place.
Hasan explained that MBG food costs follow actual costs. The average cost in western Indonesia is IDR 10,000. However, in the Mentawai Islands, it reaches IDR 14,000. For early childhood education and grades 1-4 in Java and Sumatra, the cost ranges from IDR 7,000 to IDR 9,000, as these students receive meals containing only 350 calories. Meanwhile, in Puncak Jaya, Papua, the cost can go up to IDR 41,000. BGN has already established a cost index for each district and city. Therefore, the meeting between BGN and KPK was more focused on prevention rather than discussing legal cases. BGN aims for MBG implementation to be more transparent and accountable.
Meanwhile, a member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Tutik Kusuma Wardhani, along with the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), assured that the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) meets the established nutritional standards, including adequate protein, vitamins, minerals, and energy requirements.
Tutik stated that MBG strengthens children’s nutrition, ensuring the quality of Indonesia’s human resources in the future. The MBG program aims to improve public nutrition, especially for children and pregnant or breastfeeding mothers, while reducing stunting and malnutrition rates.
The MBG program is a priority initiative of President Prabowo Subianto’s administration and is the first of its kind in Indonesia, launched on January 6, 2025. The initial budget for the program was IDR 71 trillion, targeting 17.5 million beneficiaries until September 2025.
According to the Ministry of Finance, the budget is planned to increase by IDR 100 trillion, bringing the total to IDR 171 trillion. With this additional budget, the program is expected to reach approximately 82.9 million beneficiaries by the end of 2025.
The Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) is a strategic step in improving public welfare, particularly in addressing malnutrition and stunting. By adhering to portion and quality standards in accordance with applicable regulations, this program can provide significant benefits for the health and development of children and other vulnerable groups.
To achieve its maximum goals, the MBG program must be supported by effective management, efficient distribution, and active participation from various stakeholders, including the government, schools, communities, and the private sector. By doing so, MBG can become a tangible solution in improving the quality of life for Indonesians in a sustainable manner.
*) The author is a Contributor at the Indonesian Strategic Information Study Institute
