MBG Program Strengthened: National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Intensively Coordinates with Schools and Hospitals
Jakarta – The government continues to improve the quality of the implementation of the Free Nutritional Meals (MBG) Program, a priority agenda in human resource development. The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has tightened standard operating procedures (SOPs) following an incident involving a Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) partner vehicle delivering Free Nutritional Meals (MBG) that hit several students and teachers at Kalibaru 01 Elementary School in Cilincing, North Jakarta.
BGN Head Dadan Hindayana stated that his agency continues to monitor the condition of the victims, coordinate with the hospital, and ensure optimal medical treatment. An evaluation of all SPPG operations is also underway.
According to Dadan, the MBG service at the school had been running smoothly since March 24, 2025. However, the regular driver was sick for the past two days, so a backup driver was appointed.
“After checking, we found that, thankfully, the driver had a driver’s license (SIM), but he may have lacked experience. We are still investigating the cause,” said Dadan.
Dadan explained the latest developments in the handling of the victims. Eleven students have been sent home.
“Four are currently being treated at Cilincing Hospital, and seven are being treated at Koja Hospital, including one teacher. Two of them require intensive care,” Dadan explained.
As a precautionary measure, the National Transportation Safety Board (BGN) has tightened its vehicle operating procedures (SOPs), including the procedure for selecting backup drivers.
“Of course, because we’ve been doing this all along, and our technical instructions even state that vehicles must be inspected every time before being used for deliveries. With the driver replacement case, this provides new input for BGN and the head of the SPPG to carefully replace or select backup drivers with the same qualifications,” Dadan said.
BGN is also coordinating with schools regarding the continuation of MBG services, including ensuring students receive trauma recovery support.
“Because this is closely related to the trauma that occurred, we must not force it and traumatize our children,” Dadan said.
The Head of the Legal and Public Relations Bureau of the National Transportation Safety Board (BGN), Khairul Hidayati, emphasized her agency’s commitment to conducting a thorough and transparent evaluation.
“BGN expresses its condolences for this incident and ensures that all victims receive the best possible care. We are also conducting an internal investigation with the police to ensure that incidents like this do not recur,” said Hida.
Hida added that communication with the victims’ families will be open and ongoing.
“We are committed to improving all aspects related to standard operating procedures (SOPs), including the mechanism for replacing drivers and inspecting vehicles, as well as ensuring that the safety standards for the MBG service are implemented to the maximum,” Hida said.
The government is committed to continuously improving MBG service standards to be more effective in encouraging a healthy, intelligent, and productive young generation. By strengthening coordination with schools and hospitals, the MBG program is expected to not only meet children’s daily nutritional needs but also create a sustainable healthy lifestyle within the community.
