National Nutrition Agency Reviews Involving School Canteens in Free Nutritious Meal Programme

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) is reviewing the involvement of school canteens as an alternative for implementing the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme, following President Prabowo Subianto’s directive to evaluate distribution schemes for improvement.

BGN Deputy Head Agustina Arumsari stated that the President is open to implementation schemes beyond the Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG). “The President also said, please conduct a study if there are other alternatives, that is fine,” Agustina said at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta on Wednesday.

She explained that the current regulations still refer to Presidential Regulation Number 115, which stipulates the implementation of MBG through SPPGs. According to Agustina, the President has requested that every policy alternative have a strong analytical basis before the government makes a decision.

“Again, he asks that every policy option be studied properly, what the basis is, and so on. Then come back to him, present the progress for us to decide,” she said. When asked whether involving school canteens was among the alternatives being studied, Agustina confirmed it. “Yes, that is part of what can be studied,” she said.

Agustina added that the review process is also part of the government’s efforts to improve the implementation of the MBG programme with support from relevant ministries and agencies.