Bakom RI Chief Confirms Free Nutritious Meal Programme Not Terminated

Head of the Government Communication Body (Bakom) Muhammad Qodari has confirmed that the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme has not been terminated, although a moratorium is currently in place on the construction of new Nutritional Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG). Responding to journalists after a press conference in Jakarta on Wednesday, Qodari explained that the newly inaugurated leadership of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) is carrying out a comprehensive reform of the MBG’s implementation and governance. “The implementation of the MBG has not stopped, but SPPG which are in the preparation stage have indeed been halted for now,” Qodari said, responding to statements about the cessation of the MBG in a number of schools. He also addressed reports of operational shutdowns at several SPPG, stating that the moratorium only applies to the new construction of MBG kitchens. “So perhaps there is a coincidence, where there is a plan for a moratorium on the construction and preparation of new SPPG, along with budget distribution and top-ups used for the operational costs of the MBG at SPPG,” he explained. When asked how long the moratorium on new SPPG would last, Qodari stated that this would be based on BGN policy and further details would be decided by Head of BGN Nanik S. Deyang. He emphasised that the improvement and evaluation process is currently ongoing to ensure the programme achieves its target of meeting the nutritional needs of Indonesian children. Previously, Head of BGN Nanik S. Deyang stated that the new SPPG moratorium was implemented to fulfil a commitment to reforming MBG governance. In addition, adjustments are being made to beneficiaries and existing operational kitchens are being revamped. At a press conference in Jakarta on Thursday (4/6), Nanik said the moratorium would be carried out as soon as possible to equalise MBG distribution and ensure budget efficiency, in accordance with President Prabowo Subianto’s directives. “The essence is equalisation, meaning it is not the kitchens that must receive beneficiaries, but equalisation in the sense that all children must receive it, but also not with many kitchens. If there are many kitchens, it is inefficient because we rent them. We are pulling the brakes first and restructuring, determining the ideal number of SPPG in one sub-district or one regency,” said Nanik.