MBG Programme Now Regulated More Strictly, BGN Focuses on Waste Management

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has issued BGN Regulation No. 1 of 2026, which regulates the handling of food waste, rubbish, and domestic wastewater in the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme by Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG). BGN Head Dadan Hindayana emphasised that the issuance of this regulation is an important step to ensure the programme operates not only effectively in terms of nutritional fulfilment but also safely for the environment and public health. “This regulation is important to safeguard public health, prevent environmental pollution, and ensure that food hygiene and sanitation principles are truly applied in the implementation of the MBG programme,” he stated in a press release in Jakarta on Friday (20/3/2026). He explained that the regulation is also a follow-up to the mandate of Presidential Regulation (Perpres) No. 115 of 2025 on the Governance of the MBG Programme, which requires more comprehensive governance in programme implementation, including waste and food waste aspects. The regulation emphasises that every SPPG bears full responsibility for handling food waste, managing rubbish, and processing domestic wastewater generated from operational activities. “SPPGs are not only tasked with providing nutritious food but also ensuring that the entire process, including the waste produced, is managed well and responsibly,” Dadan said. He noted that food waste in the MBG Programme is not merely waste but part of a system that must be managed efficiently to prevent wastage. Food waste that is still fit for consumption, he said, needs to be handled appropriately to avoid being wasted in vain. BGN also opens opportunities for SPPGs to collaborate with local governments or third parties in managing rubbish and waste, so that implementation in the field can be more optimal and suited to each region’s conditions. With this regulation, BGN aims to ensure that the MBG programme is not only oriented towards improving public nutrition but also aligns with sustainability principles.