President orders BGN to rectify SPPG units implementing MBG not in line with guidelines

Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto has ordered the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) to rectify Satuan Pelayanan Pemenuhan Gizi (SPPG) units that implement the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme not in accordance with technical guidelines or standard operating procedures. This was conveyed by Deputy Head of BGN for Public Communication and Investigation, Nanik, following a government working meeting at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday. “The President has ordered that poor-quality kitchens or those not following the guidelines be rectified,” Nanik said. Nanik also reported to the President that they continue to suspend or temporarily close SPPG units that do not comply with guidelines, leading to extraordinary incidents (KLB), including cases where partners raise raw material prices and monopolise suppliers for personal gain. “Good, keep it up,” the President said, giving a thumbs up as mimicked by Nanik. In addition to ordering the rectification of SPPG units, the President also requested that MBG provision be directed to beneficiaries who truly need nutritional improvement, not those from affluent backgrounds. “So, children from well-off families do not need MBG because their parents can already provide good nutritious food at home,” he stated. To this end, Nanik said they will form a team to screen MBG recipients to ensure the programme is on target, so its distribution truly provides benefits and is not wasted. “The President conveyed that this programme must not be forced. MBG should be focused on children who truly need nutritional improvement,” Nanik said. According to him, a needs-based approach is key to making this programme truly effective in improving community nutrition quality, especially for vulnerable groups. “We want to ensure MBG is on target and has a real impact. Therefore, we will continue to strengthen supervision and evaluation so that this programme runs optimally,” he added.