Ibas Ensures Hygiene Standards of Free Nutritious Meals Programme, Karanglo SPPG Set as Example
The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme must provide food that is healthy, safe, and genuinely beneficial for children. This is because the programme is funded by public money and must therefore be implemented responsibly.
This was emphasised by Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono (Ibas), Vice Chair of Indonesia’s People’s Consultative Assembly and Chair of the Democratic Party Faction in the House of Representatives, during his direct inspection of the Karanglo Nutrition Service Unit (SPPG) in Ponorogo Regency on Saturday (28 February).
On this occasion, the House of Representatives member for East Java Electoral District VII ensured that the entire implementation process of the MBG programme complies with operational standards, particularly regarding hygiene, food quality, and monitoring of food distribution to beneficiary students.
Ibas directly observed the process of receiving raw food ingredients and emphasised the importance of nutritional quality monitoring from the initial stage.
“We must ensure that all food ingredients entering the facility are truly hygienic and contain good nutritional value. This concerns the health of our children,” said Ibas in a written statement on Sunday (1 March 2026).
The Nanyang Technological University Master’s graduate also paid attention to the food supply chain used in the MBG programme. He ensured that fruits and vegetables used come from local farmers in Ponorogo so that this national programme simultaneously strengthens the local economy.
“If food ingredients are sourced from local farmers, then the benefits of this programme multiply. Children get good nutrition, whilst the surrounding community’s economy also grows,” he explained.
Beyond food quality, Ibas also inspected the washing and drying processes of meal containers used in MBG distribution. According to him, equipment cleanliness is a crucial factor in maintaining food safety.
“Not only must the food be healthy, but the containers must also be sterile. Washing and drying processes must be properly monitored because this is an important part of preventing health risks,” he asserted.
He appreciated the operations of SPPG Karanglo, which received positive responses from the community. Besides good-tasting food, the portions served also meet students’ nutritional needs, especially for low-income families in the surrounding area. According to Ibas, the existence of SPPG not only helps meet children’s nutritional needs but also provides economic benefits for local communities involved in the food production and distribution chain.
During Ramadan, Ibas reminded that adjusting the menu to dry foods must not reduce the quality standards of the programme.
“Although the menu differs during Ramadan, portion sizes, nutritional content, and budget use must remain compliant with standards. Everything must be properly monitored, including the food delivery process to ensure it reaches students safely. Such issues as food poisoning must not occur,” he said.
He emphasised that the MBG programme is a strategic national initiative financed from public taxes, so its implementation must be carried out optimally and with full responsibility.
“This programme is not inexpensive and comes from public money. Therefore, its implementation must truly maintain quality, be transparent, and provide real benefits,” he concluded.
Ibas hopes that SPPG Karanglo can serve as an example of professional, hygienic nutrition service kitchen operations that can strengthen both nutritional resilience and local economies in the region.
For information, the inspection at SPPG Karanglo was also attended by the Commander of Kodim 0802 Ponorogo Lieutenant Colonel Farauk Saputra, Head of Karanglo Lor Village Samuri, SPPG Partner Bagus Budi Santoso, Chair of the Dodik Winoto Foundation, SPPG Head Rafi Nur Anas, Nutritionist Tiara Amelia Putri, and SPPG Accountant Salsabila. Also present were Ponorogo Regional Legislative Council members Elvis Wibisono, Yuliana, Binti, and Widodo, who together ensured the programme’s implementation matched public expectations.