MBG Programme Evaluation Focuses on Governance and Service Quality, Says Qodari

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Head of the Government Communication Body (Bakom RI) Muhammad Qodari stated that the evaluation of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme is currently focused on strengthening governance, improving service quality, and expanding the reach of beneficiaries. Qodari explained that one aspect under review is the incentive scheme for the Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG). He noted that currently, each SPPG receives the same amount of incentive regardless of the number of beneficiaries. Going forward, this scheme will be adjusted so that incentives correspond to the service coverage of each SPPG. “In the future, this will be adjusted according to the number of beneficiaries so that incentives for SPPGs will vary, and this could save up to IDR 1 trillion in a year,” Qodari said. Besides the incentive scheme, he mentioned that the government will also improve the operational governance of SPPGs. This restructuring aims to ensure all SPPGs meet established standards, from equipment completeness to health and operational safety aspects. “The existing SPPGs will be reorganised in terms of their management,” he stated. The government will strengthen oversight of the nutritional content and hygiene of the food to optimise the benefits of the MBG Programme. “The product is food; its nutritional value and hygiene will also be better managed,” he added. Qodari added that the evaluation is also directed at expanding the coverage of beneficiaries, especially for communities in the 3T regions (frontier, outermost, and least developed) that have not yet been optimally served. Furthermore, the government will pay greater attention to the 3B group, namely pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers, who are the groups most vulnerable to malnutrition. “This is the period most prone to nutritional deficiencies, as well as the most appropriate moment to conduct nutritional interventions,” he said. Qodari emphasised that the MBG programme not only aims to tackle malnutrition but is also part of a comprehensive effort to improve the quality of public health in Indonesia, especially for children. To support the refinement of the programme, Qodari said the government will also strengthen cross-sector coordination. Synergy will be built with local governments, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, and the National Economic Council (DEN) to ensure the implementation of the MBG Programme is more integrated.