NasDem Agrees Parents Must Unanimously Accept or Reject Free Nutritious Meal Programme
NasDem Party member of Commission IX of the House of Representatives, Irma Chaniago, agrees with the Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Sudaryono, regarding the regulation that all guardians in public schools must agree to either accept or reject the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme. Irma believes that the provision of MBG cannot be implemented partially.
“It certainly must be that way; it cannot be done partially,” said Irma when contacted on Friday (18/09/2026).
Irma suggested that schools should focus on supervising the implementation of the MBG programme rather than rejecting it. She requested that teachers inspect the food before it is distributed to students.
“There must be a commitment from the teachers receiving the MBG so that if any food is spoiled, it can be immediately returned to the SPPG and compensation can be requested. Therefore, before distribution, teachers should participate in checking the distributed food. Do not immediately upload [complaints] to social media unless the SPPG fails to take responsibility,” said Irma.
Irma emphasised that this initial inspection step is crucial to help prevent food poisoning cases in schools. “By checking first before it is distributed to the children, teachers will have helped reduce the risk of poisoning,” she added.
Statement from the Head of BGN
The Head of BGN, Sudaryorkan, explained the provisions if a public school wishes to reject the MBG programme. Sudaryono stated that every public school must speak with one voice regarding whether to accept or reject the MBG.
“For public schools, it must be a unanimous ‘yes’. If not, then it is a ‘no’ for all,” said Sudaryono during a hearing with Commission IX of the House of Representatives in Jakarta on Thursday (17/09/2026).
Sudaryono mentioned that this provision is the result of a joint decision between the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and the Coordinating Ministry for Food Affairs. Therefore, within a single public school, it is not possible for only some students to reject or accept the MBG.
“However, for public schools, according to the results of our meeting with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and the Coordinating Ministry for Food, if they accept, they accept all. But if they do not, it applies to all. This is the current provisional decision,” said Sudaryono.
“So, it is impossible that in one public school, for example, 70 per cent are able and 30 per cent are unable, and there is a different decision. The consensus must be reached by the school and all its guardians,” he added.