BGN Clarifies MBG's Primary Target Extends Beyond School Students, Prioritising Pregnant Women and Toddlers

Deputy Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Sony Sonjaya stated that the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme is often misunderstood as targeting only school students. However, the government has emphasised that the primary focus should be on the most vulnerable groups facing malnutrition issues.

The priority groups include pregnant women, nursing mothers, and toddlers during critical growth and development stages. Only after addressing the needs of these groups should the programme be expanded to school students.

Sony said it is necessary to correct the understanding of MBG’s target among all stakeholders to prevent deviations in implementation.

During coordination meetings across regions, Sony consistently reminds implementers of the programme’s main objective.

“At every MBG consolidation meeting in various regions, I emphasise that the primary goal is to provide nutrition to vulnerable groups: pregnant women, nursing mothers, and toddlers in the critical first 1,000 days of life. Only then should students be included,” Sony stated on Monday, 1 June 2026.

He explained that these meetings involve various stakeholders, including Nutrition Service Unit (SPPG) heads, foundations, implementing partners, and MBG Task Force (Satgas) leaders at district and city levels.

The aim is to ensure a shared understanding so all implementers follow government policies.

However, Sony acknowledged that some foundations and partners still misunderstand MBG’s main focus, believing it is solely for school students.

As a result, some implementers prioritise school partnerships before addressing vulnerable groups.

Sony attributed the confusion to the use of the term “school meals” in nutrition discussions, which is perceived as only related to providing food for students.