Inviting Students for Dialogue, IPB Rector Emphasises University Does Not Manage SPPG

IPB held a dialogue with students at the Startup Center Building, Taman Kencana Campus, Bogor, West Java, on Friday (8/5). The dialogue was attended by the Rector of IPB University, Alim Setiawan Slamet. “We are opening space for dialogue because much circulating information is not complete, thus creating misunderstandings,” said Alim in a written statement on Saturday (9/5/2026). He also expressed appreciation for the criticism given by his students, including regarding IPB’s involvement in the MBG programme. In addition, Alim emphasised that from the beginning, IPB decided not to be directly involved in the operational aspects of the SPPG kitchen. This is because it considers various technical risks and food safety. “The role taken by IPB University is more strategic, namely as the initiator of the Center of Excellence (CoE) for National Nutrition Fulfilment (PGN) together with the National Nutrition Agency, Bappenas, UNICEF, and various other partners,” he said. Through that CoE, the campus plays a role in compiling academic studies, training, developing quality standards, and strengthening data-based monitoring systems. Alim also encouraged the establishment of regional CoEs in various regions of Indonesia, such as Papua, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), and East Java (Jatim). Meanwhile, the Head of the International Research Institute for Food, Nutrition, Health, and Halal, Prof Erika B Laconi, emphasised that IPB does not run the operational aspects of SPPG. She stated that the campus’s main role is to develop knowledge and strengthen systems. “IPB University is not a place for SPPG operations. Our task is to ensure that the ecosystem of knowledge, research, and quality control runs well,” said Erika. She mentioned that students have a large space to contribute through research, field monitoring, food innovation, to developing food and nutrition-based startups. Therefore, their involvement is expected to strengthen the quality of the national nutrition fulfilment programme’s implementation.