JAKARTA – The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program has once again come under scrutiny after President Prabowo Subianto reiterated his commitment to ensuring the safety of Indonesian children. The President urged that there be no further cases of food poisoning among beneficiaries of this strategic program.
Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan conveyed the President’s directive that the safety of Indonesian children must be prioritized. “Problematic SPPGs will be temporarily closed for evaluation, and all are required to have a Certificate of Hygiene and Sanitation,” said Zulkifli Hasan.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin added that the Ministry has mobilized nutrition experts to support the improvement process. “We are focused on accelerating improvements so that all SPPG kitchens meet hygiene, quality, and processing standards,” said Budi Gunadi Sadikin.
Hariqo Wibawa Satria, a senior expert at the Government Communications Agency (Bakom RI), emphasized that the president’s leadership recognizes no holidays when it comes to children’s safety. “There are no holidays for the safety of Indonesian children,” Hariqo concluded.
Hariqo explained that the President has instructed eight strategic steps to strengthen MBG, ranging from comprehensive evaluations of cooks, equipment sterilization, and the installation of CCTV in every MBG kitchen. Furthermore, the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) aims for every MBG kitchen to have hygiene and halal certification and ensure the use of safe water within one month.
Support for this program has also come from various parties. Neng Eem Marhamah Zulfa Hiz, a member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), believes that the MBG program not only strengthens children’s nutrition but also stimulates the local economy. “The SPPG will become a center for local economic activity, opening up business opportunities for farmers, livestock breeders, and MSMEs,” she said.
BGN expert Anyelir Puspa Kemala called MBG a long-term investment. “Our challenges aren’t just stunting, but also anemia, unequal access to food, and poverty. MBG is here to address all of these,” Anyelir added.
Similar support came from ICMI Secretary General Andi Yuliani, who emphasized the importance of food safety standards. “Every stage, from raw material selection to distribution, must meet hygiene standards. MBG is not only nutritious but also safe for the community,” she said.
Through collaboration across ministries, institutions, professional organizations, and the community, the MBG Program is believed to further strengthen the foundation of human resource development. More than just a social program, MBG is a symbol of leadership that supports the nation’s future generations.
