Not Just BGN, MBG Programme Involves 18 Ministries and Agencies

The government is no longer taking half-measures in safeguarding national food security. Through extensive cross-sectoral coordination, 18 ministries and agencies have been mobilised to ensure that the food consumed by the public is truly safe, particularly within the Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG) programme.

This approach has drawn attention due to the involvement of multiple parties in a single integrated monitoring system. The government views this collaborative method as key to closing gaps that have previously led to poisoning cases and public health disruptions.

Deputy for Coordination of Food Affordability and Security at the Coordinating Ministry for Food, Nani Hendiarti, revealed that this new scheme is not mere routine coordination but a system designed to operate simultaneously from the central to the regional levels.

“The implementation of MBG involves around 18 ministries and agencies, so it cannot be done independently,” she stated at the CNBC Indonesia Food Summit 2026 themed “Indonesia Food Safety Urgency: Towards a New Policy Framework” at Menara Bank Mega on Monday (27/4/2026).

The involvement of numerous institutions is driven by the complexity of the long food chain. From raw materials and production processes to distribution to the public, strict oversight is required from various angles.

In the established system, the government has clearly divided roles among the agencies. Each sector has specific responsibilities to avoid overlapping supervision.

“This oversight is divided according to authority, with some handling processed food, fresh food, up to ready-to-eat food, and all must be coordinated,” she explained.

Not only at the central level, supervision is also extended to the regions. Local governments are actively involved as the frontline implementers in the field.

This is deemed important because many food safety cases occur at the local level. With this new system, responses to potential issues are expected to be much faster.

“This coordination reaches local governments, so if there are findings, they can be immediately consolidated and addressed,” she stated.

In addition to strengthening the oversight structure, the government is preparing various technical guidelines to ensure safety standards are applied consistently. These guidelines serve as references for all implementers in the field.

This step was taken after the government observed an increase in food poisoning cases during certain periods. The situation served as an alarm to bolster the overall monitoring system.

“Since the increase in incidents, we have moved quickly to strengthen governance and integrated oversight,” she said.

With this new system, the government hopes not only to suppress health risks but also to maintain economic stability that depends on the food sector. Food security is now positioned as a national strategic issue.

“We want everything to run quickly but still coordinated, because the impact is not only on health but also on the economy,” Nani remarked.