Only 10 percent of pesantren receiving MBG, government accelerates implementation

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The government is continuing to accelerate the distribution of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme to achieve the target of 82.9 million beneficiaries by the end of 2026, including students in pesantren, where only 10 percent have been recorded so far. “Public schools are already nearly 80 percent covered, whereas for these pondok [pesantren], it’s only about 10 percent. This is an issue of data collection, even though we have held meetings on MBG two or three times for the pondok, because we are truly concerned. The pondok need our attention, as the santri [students] there are the ones who need nutritious food the most,” said Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, Zulkifli Hasan, in Jakarta on Thursday. “Pesantren now have a special channel; we will accelerate it because they are only at 10 percent so far, which is also due to data issues, so we will perfect it, including for madrasah schools, tsanawiyah, aliyah, all schools under the Ministry of Religious Affairs,” Zulhas added. The government is also ensuring acceleration steps to perfect the implementation and effectiveness of the MBG programme, particularly regarding Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG). “Progress as of 30 March 2026 is in 38 provinces, reaching 61,680,043 beneficiaries. Meanwhile, 26,066 SPPGs have been operational, with 2,162 of them temporarily closed, including 1,789 suspended kitchens, 368 under SP1 (kitchens), and five under SP2 (kitchens), totalling 2,162 (kitchens),” Zulhas stated. Furthermore, the Coordinating Minister for Food said his side continues to monitor and evaluate the programme to ensure MBG runs effectively in line with President Prabowo Subianto’s instructions. “As we know, MBG is a very large programme, providing meals to 60 million of our children; it’s certainly not easy with all its dynamics. But we keep going; the government continues to make improvements. There are still shortcomings here and there, but insya Allah it will get better,” he said. Zulhas emphasised that SPPGs that fail to make improvements after warnings and suspensions could face operational closures. “So, there are 2,162 in total. But 1,789 are suspended so they can be fixed. If not fixed, then we will close them too,” he said.