BGN urges regional heads to oversee supply chains for raw materials for MBG

With a ready supply chain, farmers, livestock breeders, and fishermen will prosper because their products are directly absorbed.

Serang (ANTARA) - The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has requested that regional heads closely monitor the supply chain for raw materials to ensure the success of the Free Nutritious Meals Programme (MBG), while also improving the welfare of local farmers.

BGN Deputy for Monitoring and Supervision Dadang Hendrayudha in Serang, Banten, on Wednesday, emphasised the central role of governors, regents, and mayors in ensuring food availability in their respective regions to meet the needs of MBG kitchens.

“We ask regional heads to ensure that the supply chain in their areas is fulfilled. With a ready supply chain, farmers, livestock breeders, and fishermen will prosper because their products are directly absorbed,” Dadang said after a coordination and evaluation meeting with the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda) to optimise monitoring and supervision of the Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG) in Banten.

Dadang explained that from the allocation of Rp15,000 per serving, Rp10,000 is specifically allocated for purchasing raw materials.

He added that synergy between SPPG and local governments must be able to regulate the distribution pattern of food ingredients so as not to trigger inflation in the local market.

“The economy will be strong at the grassroots level if this supply chain runs well. Farmers will be happy because their products are purchased to support kitchen needs throughout the region,” said Dadang.

In addition to logistics matters, BGN has also instructed strict supervision of kitchen operations. Dadang emphasised several key points for programme managers, namely the hygiene of the cooking process, starting simultaneously at 02:00 WIB to maintain freshness.

“BGN will not hesitate to revoke operational permits for partners who violate standards, as in the recent closure of one kitchen unit in Cilegon City,” said Dadang.

To support transparency, BGN encourages local governments to build a digital platform. Through this system, regional heads can monitor kitchen locations, the number of beneficiaries from primary to high school levels, and daily menus in real-time.

“Every day, managers are required to upload their menus to that platform. We also ask schools to actively monitor the quality of food received by children,” said Dadang Hendrayudha.