BGN Evaluates Free Nutritious Meal Programme in Ponorogo

Ponorogo, East Java — The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has evaluated the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal Programme (MBG) in Ponorogo Regency, East Java, through a coordination meeting with the local government at the Bapperinda Ponorogo Hall on Wednesday.

Enny Indarti, Director of the BGN’s Nutrition Fulfilment Systems Division, stated that the evaluation addressed governance matters in the MBG programme implementation, including the management of Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG) in the region.

She revealed that field evaluations had identified several SPPG units using products from micro and small enterprises (UMKM) and labour from outside the region. According to Enny, this situation contradicts the provisions outlined in Presidential Regulation No. 115 of 2025 concerning the implementation of the free nutritious meal programme.

She stressed that local governments have an important role not only in ensuring that nutrition services run effectively, but also in promoting the strengthening of the local economy. “The empowerment of UMKM and labour should originate from the local region whilst maintaining attention to product quality,” she said.

Meanwhile, Acting Bupati of Ponorogo Lisdyarita requested that the managers of MBG kitchens comply with the applicable regulations in implementing the programme. She expressed hope that all food ingredients and labour involved in the operation of MBG kitchens would come from business actors and the local community of Ponorogo.

Lisdyarita added that the local government would continue to provide guidance so that programme managers prioritise local products and local labour. “We hope this programme will not only improve nutritional fulfilment for the community, but also create employment opportunities for Ponorogo residents,” she said.