Free Nutritious Meal Program in Tegal Regency Reaches 70 Per Cent, Task Force Ready to Strengthen Oversight
Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) in Tegal Regency, Central Java, has reached more than 70 per cent of the total beneficiary target. To ensure the implementation runs optimally and on target, the MBG Task Force for Accelerating MBG Implementation in Tegal Regency has begun strengthening oversight.
The Secretary of Tegal Regency and simultaneously Chair of the MBG Task Force, Amir Makhmud, acknowledged that the performance of the previous team had not run optimally, partly due to non-uniform guidance in the programme’s implementation. Nevertheless, MBG in Tegal Regency continues to run and shows positive development.
‘As of now, the MBG programme has reached 309,912 beneficiaries of a target of 482,365 people. Of the total plan for 252 food service points (SPPG), 109 kitchens have been operational,’ Amir said in an official statement, quoted on Saturday (7 March 2026).
Amir stressed the importance of ensuring all SPPGs meet the standards set, including the viability of buildings, supporting facilities, and operational permits. ‘We must ensure all SPPGs truly meet the standards set, both in terms of the physical buildings and their operational aspects,’ he asserted.
Amir also urged that raw materials used by SPPGs be sourced from local micro, small, and medium enterprises (UMKM) in Tegal Regency. Given the large budget circulating through the MBG programme, it is hoped that this economic turnover will positively impact the local community’s economy.
‘To strengthen oversight and ensure the programme runs transparently and accountably, the MBG Task Force also plans to establish a dedicated complaints portal as a channel for the public to raise concerns or provide input regarding MBG implementation,’ explained Amir.
MBG Regional Coordinator Risma said the number of SPPG points in Tegal Regency continues to grow. In the last two weeks, planned SPPG points rose from 252 to 262.
‘The MBG programme’s progress in Tegal Regency is fairly rapid, with more than 10 SPPG points surveyed each week,’ Risma noted.
However, Risma added that several challenges still require attention, particularly regarding the availability of raw materials. Some food suppliers set prices above the Highest Retail Price (HET), making it difficult for MBG managers to plan nutritious menus within the budget of Rp8,000 to Rp10,000 per portion.
‘When raw material prices exceed the HET, MBG managers will struggle to present menus that meet nutritional standards and the set budget,’ Risma explained.
According to Risma, during Ramadan, program challenges increase. Some schools proposed that MBG distribution not occur daily, while a circular from the National Nutrition Board (BGN) stipulates that distribution must continue daily.
‘To ensure the quality of nutrition remains safeguarded amid these challenges, we have conducted routine coordination with the nutrition team from the Tegal District Health Office,’ Risma added. (H-2)