BGN Nabire Utilises School Holiday to Evaluate MBG Programme

Nabire (ANTARA) - The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Nabire, Central Papua, is utilising the school holiday period to conduct a thorough evaluation of the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Programme in the region.

Regional Coordinator of BGN Nabire, Marsel Asyerem, stated in Nabire on Tuesday that the MBG Programme is scheduled to resume operations on 30 March 2026, in line with the school holiday set by the government.

“During this school holiday, we are using the time for a total evaluation to improve the service and distribution system, so that when MBG resumes, there are no more problems in its delivery,” said Marsel.

He explained that the evaluation is being carried out jointly with all heads of Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG), partners, foundations, nutritionists, and accounting staff to ensure that all programme stages run according to standards.

This step follows the suspected poisoning incident on 13 March 2026 involving MBG beneficiaries from SPPG Lani, where several students experienced digestive issues after consuming the food.

According to him, distribution is the main focus of the evaluation to ensure that food is received on time and remains in a fit condition for consumption.

“We are standardising the distribution schedule so that by 09:00, the children can consume MBG. It should not be that some receive it at 10:00 or even 11:00 because there is a risk of the food spoiling,” he said.

He added that delays in distribution could lead to students taking the food home and not consuming it immediately, thereby increasing the risk of health problems.

Nevertheless, Marsel acknowledged challenges in the field, such as limited fleets, a maximum travel distance of 6 kilometres, and the number of schools served by one SPPG.

“In accordance with the SOP, one SPPG maximally uses two vehicles. However, if additional fleets are needed, we will discuss it with the leadership,” he stated.

In addition, during the school holiday period, he said, all SPPG personnel are still required to report for work to carry out cleaning of the kitchen and work environment to maintain hygiene standards.

“Personnel continue to work so that kitchen cleanliness is maintained, and they still receive their salary rights as per regulations,” he said.