Why BGN Is Creating an App to Rate Free Nutritious Meals<\/p>\n
Reporter<\/p>\n
September 23, 2026 | 01:31 pm<\/p>\n
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) is preparing\nan evaluation application to monitor the execution of the free\nnutritious meal (MBG) project. BGN Head Sudaryono stated that the app\nwill enable schoolteachers to evaluate the menus and services provided\ndaily by the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units.<\/p>\n
Sudaryono outlined the initiative during a literacy webinar for\nschool principals participating in the MBG program on Tuesday, September\n15, 2026. He noted in a written statement, \u201cWe will provide an app for\nprincipals, similar to ride-hailing platforms, where they can submit\nratings and feedback on the kitchens.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sudaryono explained that the evaluations will cover food quality,\ndelivery punctuality, and various other operational aspects of MBG\nservices. The politician of the ruling Party Gerindra emphasized that\nthe rating app is essential for addressing field-level challenges faced\nby the agency executing the free meal program.<\/p>\n
Sudaryono urged principals not to hold back on feedback, stating, \u201cWe\nwant to receive more input.\u201d<\/p>\n
However, the plan to launch an MBG rating application drew criticism\nfrom leadership within Commission IX of the House of Representatives.\nCommission IX Deputy Chair Nihayatul Wafiroh acknowledged that the\nrating system could be a tool to measure the quality of MBG operations\non the ground.<\/p>\n
However, she warned against letting evaluation reports become nothing\nmore than archived paperwork. \u201cThe follow-up mechanism must be\nthoroughly prepared. The public input should not be ignored,\u201d Nihayatul\nsaid on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.<\/p>\n
The United Development Party (PPP) politician stressed that the\ngovernment must establish a protocol to guarantee that all complaints\nand feedback from schools regarding MBG services are properly logged,\nverified, and addressed. \u201cWe should not wait for these problems to\nescalate,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n
Nihayatul noted that since its rollout in early 2025, the MBG program\nhas encountered several operational challenges. The public has raised\nquestions regarding kitchen production standards, delivery punctuality,\nmenu variety, hygiene, and food safety. She emphasized that incoming\ncriticism must drive continuous program evaluation, given MBG\u2019s status\nas a priority initiative under President Prabowo Subianto.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Transparency International Indonesia researcher Agus\nSarwono cautioned that relying on a rating app to evaluate MBG menus and\nkitchen services risks becoming a mere cosmetic measure. He argued that\nthe proposed rating framework lacks independent, transparent, and\nlegally binding oversight mechanisms.<\/p>\n
According to Agus, the challenges facing the MBG project are far\nbeyond food taste or service delivery. Because the program draws a\nportion of its funding from the national education budget, its execution\ntouches directly on food safety, nutritional standards, supplier\ncompliance, potential conflicts of interest, and public fiscal\naccountability.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn a high-budget program involving children\u2019s health and safety,\nwhat is needed is not a simple star rating button, but an independent\ncomplaint mechanism, regular audits, food traceability, and real\naccountability when violations occur,\u201d the MBG Watch member said on\nTuesday, September 22, 2026.<\/p>\n
Therefore, Agus argued that implementing a rating app for the MBG\nproject will only bear fruit if BGN, as the executive agency, actively\nacts upon every lodged complaint. This includes maintaining public\ntransparency over evaluation findings and enforcing strict penalties, up\nto and including contract termination, for suppliers that consistently\nreceive low scores.<\/p>\n
\u201cBGN must not use this rating app as a shield for public\nparticipation while keeping decision-making and inspection findings\nbehind closed doors,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Agus further criticized BGN\u2019s approach for placing an added\nadministrative burden on schools and teachers through the app\u2019s rollout.\nHe contends that shifting the burden of evaluating MBG menus and\nservices onto school staff is a misguided strategy. This is particularly\nproblematic when the requirement lacks protections for teachers.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere must also be a guarantee that raising concerns will not affect\nthe relationship between schools and program administrators,\u201d he\nadded.<\/p>\n
Read: No Suspects in Poisoned Food Cases<\/p>\n
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google\nNews<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/why-bgn-is-creating-an-app-to-rate-free-nutritious-meals-1790146376", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }