MBG Funds Unreleased: Hundreds of Nutrition Service Units in Aceh to Central Java Collapse
Hundreds of Nutrition Service Units (SPPG) in the regions of Aceh, Batam, West Java, Central Java, and NTB have ceased implementing the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme since Monday (8/6).
In Banda Aceh, seven SPPGs have stopped providing MBG meals because operational funds from the central National Nutrition Agency (BGN) have not yet reached the kitchen managers. Muhammad Reza, the SPPG Coordinator for the Banda Aceh region, stated that the funds used for kitchen activities have been exhausted, and the replenishment funds that are usually sent periodically have not yet entered the managers’ accounts. Out of the 37 operating MBG kitchens in Banda Aceh, only seven have been forced to halt services, as others still possess enough remaining funds to cover daily operations.
Similarly, more than 50 SPPG kitchens in the Batam region, Riau Islands, have ceased operations for the same reason. Defri Fernaldi, the MBG Coordinator for Batam, noted that SPPGs can only operate once the state budget (APBN) has been credited to their virtual accounts (VA). He emphasised that SPPGs are prohibited from operating without these funds and are also forbidden from using bridge financing from partners.
In NTB, 195 SPPG kitchens have temporarily stopped operating while awaiting the disbursement of MBG funds. As a result of the budget delays, hundreds of thousands of beneficiaries have been unable to receive their scheduled food distributions. Eko Prasetyo, Head of BGN Regional NTB, confirmed that the issue is purely a technical matter regarding central budget disbursement and stated that efforts are being made to optimise the process.
In Central Java, 20 SPPGs in Solo and 31 in Brebes are non-operational, affecting thousands of students. Arya Dewa Nugroho, the BGN Regional Coordinator for Brebes Regency, confirmed that 50 out of 182 SPPGs have ceased operations; 31 due to administrative delays in the disbursement process by the Commitment Making Officer (PPK), and 19 due to suspensions.
In response, the Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Nanik S. Deyang, denied rumours that the distribution of MBG programme funds has been hindered or halted. She stated that much of the circulating information is inaccurate, asserting that fund disbursements for programme operations began on Friday (5/6) and continued into the start of this week.
Nanik clarified that the disbursement process is being conducted in stages. She noted that the BGN has received reports of large-scale disbursements, including a disbursement of approximately Rp5 trillion on Monday. She emphasised that the current situation is merely a matter of technical and administrative procedures rather than a cessation of programme funding.