BGN intensifies cross-sector coordination for free meals programme
“Our plan is to explore more avenues for involvement by the Ministry of Health, regional health offices, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, regional education offices, and other institutions,” he remarked in Bogor City, West Java, on Friday.
While inspecting program implementation at Public Elementary School 9 Bantarjati, Sudaryono stressed the importance of “synchronizing” steps among institutions across sectors.
He noted that the BGN considers deeper coordination with stakeholders essential to ensuring effective program rollout, particularly in improving serving methods and strengthening nutrition education for schoolchildren.
Sudaryono further argued that a solid level of coordination is necessary to overcome communication gaps, which he linked to program shortcomings in several regions.
In addition to strengthening collaboration, the newly appointed BGN chief pledged continued oversight of the national priority program, including through firsthand reviews of MBG kitchens, officially known as nutrition fulfillment service units (SPPGs).
He noted that the government and partners had opened around 27,000 SPPGs across Indonesia, with most already operating in line with BGN standards.
On that note, he underscored the importance of thoroughly evaluating SPPG services by assessing menu quality, serving methods, hygiene, and students’ reception of the meals provided.
“We look into shortcomings and order them to be immediately addressed,” Sudaryono said, warning that kitchens failing to meet standards will face closure.
Even while vowing strict enforcement of standards, he acknowledged contributions from BGN partners, SPPGs, kitchen employees, and schools to the program.
Public Elementary School 9 Bantarjati Principal Sugiartini reported that the MBG program has driven positive changes in students’ eating habits.
“The children are very enthusiastic. Those who usually skipped breakfast now eat it, and those who once avoided vegetables now enjoy them. Praise be to God, almost every child receives MBG meals and finishes them,” she said.
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Translator: M. Fikri, Tegar Nurfitra