Eddy Soeparno Urges Strict Sanctions for Free Nutritious Meal Programme Units Failing to Meet Standards
Vice Chair of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR RI) Eddy Soeparno has highlighted findings of Nutrition Service Units (Satuan Pelayanan Pemenuhan Gizi, SPPG) deemed non-compliant with the service standards of the Free Nutritious Meal Programme (Makan Bergizi Gratis, MBG). He has called for strict action against breaches of health standards and menu adequacy.
Recent violations were reported at SMK HKBP and SMK Arina Sidikalang vocational schools in Dairi District, North Sumatra. According to Eddy, the MBG is a strategic agenda affecting the future of the younger generation, and field implementers must be managed professionally and comply with standards set by the National Nutrition Agency (Badan Gizi Nasional, BGN).
Eddy views SPPG as the spearhead of the programme and believes they must ensure service quality, particularly regarding health, hygiene, and nutritional adequacy. He therefore advocates that every violation be intolerant of deviation and that enforcement be proportionate and transparent.
“I encourage that whenever an SPPG is found to fall short of service standards, sanctions must be imposed strictly and measurably. There can be no compromise on quality and hygiene, especially when children’s health is at stake,” Eddy stated on Wednesday (25/2/2026).
He also emphasised the importance of BGN standards as a public protection instrument, meaning oversight cannot be merely reactive. According to him, control must be embedded from the outset through audits, regular evaluations, and open reporting channels.
“Meeting service standards in accordance with BGN standards is fundamentally a public protection mechanism. Oversight must be embedded from the start, with audit systems, regular evaluations, and open reporting mechanisms,” he added.
Furthermore, Eddy advocated for strengthening BGN’s institutional capacity to establish an integrated national monitoring system. He believes supervision must be based on health standards, adequacy, and meeting the nutritional needs of beneficiaries.
“The BGN must ensure that each SPPG operates to standard, from the quality of raw materials, distribution processes, hygiene, to targeting beneficiaries accurately. This oversight must be data-driven and equipped with digital reporting systems so it can be monitored in real time,” he explained.
Eddy reaffirmed his support for the MBG programme as President Prabowo’s commitment to strengthening children’s nutrition quality. However, he cautioned that the programme’s sustainability depends on enforcing standards, strengthening oversight, and consistently applying sanctions against violators.
“Of course, we want this programme to succeed and be sustainable. Therefore, standards must be enforced, oversight strengthened, and sanctions implemented consistently,” he concluded.