Jakarta—The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) emphasized that the incentive mechanism for partners of the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) under the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program is paid fairly and measurably, based on operational days. This scheme is considered to strengthen service certainty, maintain the readiness of nutrition kitchens, and ensure that public funds are used effectively for the needs of Indonesian children.
Deputy Head of BGN, Sony Sanjaya, explained that SPPG operations are calculated based on six working days per week.
“SPPG operations are calculated for six working days, while on Sundays there are no incentive payments,” he said when confirmed in Jakarta.
Thus, payments are fully aligned with the rhythm of services in the field—when SPPG operates, incentives apply; on Sundays, they are not counted as operational days.
BGN also explained that if a national holiday falls on a working day, incentives are still paid based on the principle of standby readiness. Sony emphasized that this readiness is crucial because the SPPG ecosystem is not merely a school kitchen, but a nutrition service hub that must always be prepared to assist the community.
“Even when students are on holiday, facilities, monitoring systems, and experts must remain on standby in case emergency nutrition interventions are needed,” Sony stated.
He cited the example of the floods and landslides that struck Aceh and Sumatra at the end of 2025, during which SPPG units could be converted into emergency kitchens for communal needs.
“The payment represents retention for facility readiness, similar to a commercial property lease system that does not stop due to holidays,” he added.
This underscores that the incentive is not merely a daily operational cost, but also a state investment to ensure nutrition facilities are always ready for use whenever needed.
In the 2026 MBG Program Technical Guidelines, SPPG facility incentives are set at Rp6 million per day for facility provider partners, applicable for six days per week. This scheme provides certainty for partners to maintain service standards, care for equipment, prepare ingredients, and ensure consistent monitoring processes.
BGN opens broad opportunities for private companies, cooperatives, village-owned enterprises (BUMDes), and foundations with sufficient investment capacity and land in accordance with zoning regulations to join as partners, accelerating service coverage expansion. According to BGN, this partnership encourages the development of fresh food supply chains from local farmers and MSMEs.
“The primary interest is the nutrition of Indonesian children,” Sony stressed.
Through uniform standards, services are delivered hygienically, safely, and in a nationally targeted manner.
BGN affirmed that partner selection is conducted openly and professionally.
“The MBG Program is built on the principles of transparency, accountability, and fiscal efficiency,” Sony stated.
With clear governance, payments based on operational days, and readiness maintained during national holidays, BGN is optimistic that MBG will continue to strengthen as a strategic program that reinforces children’s nutritional resilience while also driving local economic growth through healthy partnerships.
