BGN Ensures MBG Programme Hits the Mark Through Prioritised Region Designation

Jakarta – The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) is ensuring the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme runs on target through the use of validated priority region data in collaboration with related ministries and agencies. Deputy Head of BGN, Sony Sonjaya, stated that the prioritisation is determined based on data from food-insecure regions, poverty levels, and the prevalence of nutritional problems in various areas. “From the data we received, there are food-insecure regions, areas with poor populations, and regions with a high prevalence of nutritional issues that form the basis for determining programme implementation priorities,” said Sony in a written statement, quoted on Friday, 24 April 2026. He explained that the data covers hundreds of regencies/cities that will be the focus of interventions and will serve as a reference for MBG programme distribution in the field. “We use this data so that the MBG programme implementation is truly directed towards regions that need it, especially food-insecure areas, poor populations, and regions with nutritional problems,” he clarified. According to him, this data-based approach is crucial to ensure that vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, toddlers, and students, can be served optimally. “With targeted data, programme interventions can be focused on the groups that need it most,” he added. BGN emphasised that the use of priority region data is part of efforts to improve the programme’s effectiveness while ensuring equitable access to nutrition services across Indonesia. As part of these efforts, BGN held a Coordination Meeting for Aligning Beneficiary Data for the MBG Programme on 23 April 2026 at the National Nutrition Agency in Jakarta. The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs, Romo R. Muhammad Syafi’i, Deputy Minister of Population and Family Planning/Deputy Head of BKKBN RI, Ratu Ayu Isyana Bagoes Oka, and Director General of Primary Health Care and Community, Maria Endang Sumiwi, as a form of strengthening cross-sectoral synergy to ensure the MBG programme’s accuracy.