KSP Assists BGN in Evaluating Free Nutritious Meals Programme

Chief of the Executive Office of the President (KSP) Dudung Abdurachman held an audience with Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Nanik S Deyang to discuss a thorough evaluation of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme. The meeting, which took place at the KSP Office in the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, on Wednesday (11/6), highlighted two crucial points: the accuracy of beneficiary targeting and the operational standardisation of kitchens.

During the meeting, which was also attended by two Deputy Heads of BGN, Agustina Arumsari and retired Major General Trenggono, Dudung stressed the importance of refocusing beneficiary recipients. This was based on field findings indicating distribution ineffectiveness in several areas. Dudung revealed that based on field checks, cases were found where nutritious food distributed in schools within middle-class economic circles was not optimally consumed. Therefore, the KSP and BGN agreed to re-verify and validate the data.

Dudung stated during a press briefing that he had personally checked and discovered several cases in Jakarta where food distributed in middle-class schools was left uneaten, adding that checks would be carried out again to ensure the programme’s effectiveness. This refocusing step aims to ensure that the state budget allocated for the MBG programme is absorbed efficiently and only targets communities genuinely in need of nutritional assistance.

Besides the issue of beneficiary data, the audience also discussed the operational quality of MBG kitchens managed by the Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG). Dudung explained that the BGN would reorganise the currently operational SPPGs. This restructuring covers several important aspects. Dudung disclosed findings of discrepancies between contract projections and reality on the ground. He asserted that certain SPPG contracts projected serving 3,000 beneficiaries, but field findings showed the numbers served were below that figure; these discrepancies would be rechecked and their incentive provisions adjusted.

To ensure the programme runs according to plan, the KSP is committed to assisting the BGN in conducting direct inspections in various regions. The main focus of monitoring is to ensure the operational readiness of kitchens and the conformity of beneficiary numbers. Dudung concluded that the quality of currently operational SPPGs is very crucial and that direct checks will be conducted in several regions, with the KSP helping to verify which areas are ready and operational.

This collaborative step between the KSP and BGN is expected to minimise budget leakages and ensure that every portion of nutritious food reaches the right hands with maintained quality standards.