KNPI Supports Involvement of School Canteens in MBG Programme, Here is Why

The General Chairman of the Central Executive Board of the National Committee of Indonesian Youth (KNPI), Ali Hanafiah, supports the involvement of school canteens in the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) Programme. According to him, this step can ensure that budget distribution is more precisely targeted towards students.

Ali Hanafiah expressed this support in response to plans to involve school canteens, teachers, and headmasters in the implementation of the MBG, as proposed by the Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Nanik S. Deyang.

“Involving school canteens and all school elements in the provision of free nutritious meals will ensure that the budget allocated by the government can be received in full by the students. This step is also believed to be able to break the chain of malpractice and leakages that have been complained about by the public,” Ali stated in his announcement on Saturday, 6 June 2026.

Ali hopes that this policy will be promptly realised by the new Head of the BGN. In his view, a change in the distribution pattern is necessary so that the implementation of the MBG programme runs more effectively and transparently.

He assessed that various issues arising from the implementation of previous programmes must serve as evaluation material for future improvements.

“We hope the new Head of the BGN can immediately improve the distribution pattern of free nutritious meals to students. This programme is a noble step by the President of the Republic of Indonesia to improve the nutritional quality of Indonesian children,” he said.

Ali emphasised that KNPI fully supports the BGN’s efforts to carry out reforms in the implementation of the MBG programme. He hopes the programme will run well, transparently, and free from irregularities.

“Past experiences, including legal cases involving several parties within the BGN environment, must serve as a momentum for total reform,” he concluded.

With this approach, he hopes that the benefits of the Free Nutritious Meal Programme can truly be felt by all students across Indonesia.