Programme for Elderly and Disabled Nutrition to Be Integrated with National MBG Scheme
JAKARTA - Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf, known as Gus Ipul, stated that the MBG programme for elderly persons (lansia) and persons with disabilities is a continuation of the Permakanan programme operated by the Social Affairs Ministry.
The Permakanan programme provides ready-to-eat food assistance to elderly persons and persons with disabilities through social facilitators and community groups (Pokmas) in regions.
“The national MBG scheme will be integrated to expand coverage and ensure measurable nutritional standards,” said Gus Ipul following a meeting with BGN Head Dadan Hindayana, as quoted in a press statement on Thursday, 26 February 2026.
“I am grateful because the concept has matured and we have determined the form of cooperation,” Gus Ipul remarked.
Through cooperation with BGN, food provision will utilise BGN’s Nutritional Service Units (SPPG) distributed across regions. Meanwhile, beneficiary outreach will continue through existing Social Affairs Ministry service mechanisms.
“The SPPG will continue to serve, whilst delivery will be handled by Pokmas or caregivers,” he said.
Priority will be given to vulnerable elderly persons and persons with severe disabilities who face limitations in meeting basic daily needs.
“Thank you Professor Dadan for guiding us in developing one concept, so this is now fully integrated with MBG,” said Gus Ipul.
BGN Head Dadan Hindayana assessed that the MBG programme for elderly persons and persons with disabilities will become easier with the presence of SPPG units.
“I believe that what the Social Affairs Ministry has been doing will be facilitated by the presence of SPPG in every region, since SPPG exists in every region in Indonesia within an average radius of 4 kilometres,” said Dadan.
“Food provision can be sourced from SPPG, whilst delivery remains the responsibility of Social Affairs Ministry personnel—namely Pokmas or caregivers. Thus, this is good synergy in optimising facilities,” he added.