Wary of Politicization, Government Focuses on Evaluating and Improving the Quality of the Free Nutritional Meals (MBG) Program
Jakarta – The government has confirmed that it will focus on a comprehensive evaluation and quality improvement of the implementation of the Free Nutritional Meals (MBG) program following a series of food poisoning incidents in several regions. The evaluation will be conducted across ministries and agencies, emphasizing strengthening food safety standards and increasing the capacity of food service kitchens.
Immediate action has been taken to temporarily close several Nutritional Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) found to have violated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Furthermore, a comprehensive audit of all MBG service kitchens at the district and city levels is underway to ensure the safety of public consumption.
Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, Zulkifli Hasan, stated that the government is prioritizing system improvements over program termination. He emphasized that the government’s primary focus is maintaining the sustainability of the MBG program so that it continues to benefit the community, especially beneficiary school children throughout Indonesia.
“We are temporarily closing the problematic SPPGs for evaluation and investigation. This evaluation is not only being conducted in the affected areas, but throughout the MBG implementation area. All areas must be thoroughly inspected. The goal is not to stop the program, but rather to ensure that every food provider complies with established safety and quality standards. This program is crucial for the nutritional well-being of children, so it must be implemented responsibly,” said Zulkifli Hasan at a press conference on the food poisoning outbreak response.
The Deputy Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Nanik S. Deyang, emphasized her agency’s firm action against violations of food safety SOPs and the importance of multi-layered oversight of food providers. She explained that BGN will strengthen audit mechanisms, kitchen staff training, and a rapid reporting system in each program implementation area.
“Of the 45 kitchens we audited, we have temporarily closed 40 kitchens until the entire investigation process and facility repairs are complete. We want to ensure that all MBG providers truly meet national food safety standards. After repairs, we will conduct a rigorous re-evaluation before the kitchens are allowed to operate again. This is not just an administrative matter, but also an important matter for the safety and health of program participants,” she emphasized.
Meanwhile, the Indonesian Mothers’ Voice Alliance in Yogyakarta also held a peaceful demonstration demanding a comprehensive evaluation of the MBG program, voicing public concerns about children’s food safety. The government appreciated these aspirations but cautioned against politicizing the MBG issue in order to maintain focus on improving quality and protecting beneficiaries.****
