Researchers Highlight Importance of SPPG Evaluation to Maintain MBG Quality

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) continues to take proactive steps through a series of surprise inspections (sidak) on Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG) in various regions. These efforts are aimed at ensuring the sustainability and quality of the Free Nutritious Meals Programme (MBG), while responding to the high public expectations and the need for SPPG partners to comply with strict standard operating procedures (SOP). Such monitoring measures are deemed essential to maintain public trust in the MBG programme, which is now beginning to receive widespread support from the community. Research conducted by the Research Institute of Socio-Economic Development (RISED) in three districts/cities in Central Java indicates that support for the continuation of the MBG programme continues to grow across various societal strata. This support comes not only from lower economic groups but also from those with higher expenditure levels. RISED Director Fajar Rahmadi stated that the increasing public support must be matched with improvements in the programme’s implementation quality in the field. “Accuracy of delivery, menu quality, and types of menus provided need evaluation, so that what the public receives meets the standards,” said Fajar. Based on RISED’s research findings, 85% of support for MBG comes from families with monthly expenditure below Rp 1 million. Meanwhile, 78% of families with expenditure between Rp 1 million and Rp 3 million also support the programme’s continuation. As many as 75% of families with expenditure between Rp 3 million and Rp 5 million expressed their support, while for the group with expenditure between Rp 5 million and Rp 10 million, the support level reaches 60%. Nevertheless, Fajar emphasised that the government must not become complacent with these achievements. He assessed that there are still several challenges in the implementation of the MBG programme that need to be addressed immediately to meet public expectations.