Sudaryono Explains Why SPPG Bans Use of 3 Kg LPG and SPHP Rice

Jakarta - The Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Sudaryono, has stressed that the ban on using subsidised goods such as 3 kg LPG canisters, SPHP rice, and Minyakita cooking oil in the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme was calculated from the outset. He therefore assured that the regulation would not reduce the quality or portion size of the food received by beneficiaries.

Sudaryono explained that subsidised goods are intended for entitled members of the public and must not be used in the operations of MBG kitchens or Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG).

“Because subsidised goods are limited in quantity, they are not for… including social assistance, it also does not use subsidised goods. Because the quantity is limited, so that they can be traded and purchased by people who need them,” Sudaryono said when met at the Ministry of Agriculture office in Jakarta on Tuesday evening.

He confirmed that the MBG budget of Rp15,000 per portion was compiled without relying on subsidised goods. “It is sufficient. It has been calculated. The calculation of Rp15,000 per portion and the breakdowns, it has all been included. Because cooking oil is not a main ingredient… it is more of a catalyst, for frying. So the need for oil is not as great as the need for chicken, eggs, vegetables, and so on,” he said.

He asserted that the technical guidelines for MBG have regulated the prohibition on using subsidised goods from the very beginning. “The technical and implementation guidelines are like that. So it has been calculated without using subsidised goods. So it is a must not to use Minyakita, not to use SPHP rice, and not to use 3 kg LPG gas canisters. Because those goods are intended for those who need subsidies,” he explained.

Sudaryono also dismissed the notion that the rule was a new policy introduced after he assumed the role of Head of BGN. “From the aspect of price suitability to the menu, it has been calculated. So it is not something that was suddenly decided because I became Head of BGN, out of fear that it would be reduced. No, it has been like that from the start,” he stressed.

Furthermore, he ensured that the quality of the MBG menu remains a priority. BGN, he said, is also preparing a system that allows parents to know the menu their children consume every day as a form of transparency. “The point is how we ensure that the food provided to the children is, firstly, safe and, secondly, nutritious,” he said.

“We want to involve many parties, including parents. We want to ensure that parents know what the state is feeding their children today. What the menu is, what the nutritional content is, and at what time it is given. We want transparency there,” he added.

Sudaryono also invited the public to oversee the programme’s implementation and report if they find any menu items that appear unfit. “If there is a menu that, at a glance, seems unfit, report it. We want transparency. So everyone is allowed, there should be no exclusivity, no hiding,” he said. He stressed that openness is crucial because the MBG programme uses funds sourced from the public. “This is the people’s money and must be accounted for to the people. Yes, the people’s money, tax money from the people, and it must be given to our children,” he stated.