Government Confirms MBG Must Not Be Halted Due to Technical Constraints
Jakarta – The government has emphasized that the Free Nutritional Meals (MBG) Program, a national priority, must not be halted simply due to technical constraints in its implementation. This assurance was issued following a suspected food poisoning case at one of the distribution locations, which was immediately and swiftly handled by the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) along with relevant ministries and agencies.
During a direct inspection of the suspected food poisoning handling post, the Head of BGN, Dadan Hindayana, explained that initial findings indicated a technical error by the Nutrition Program Implementation Unit (SPPG), which cooked food too early. This resulted in the food being stored for too long before distribution.
“Initial findings indicate that the SPPG cooked food too early, resulting in the food taking too long to cook. We have requested that they start cooking no later than 1:30 a.m. so that the time between cooking and delivery is no more than four hours,” he said.
Dadan added that evaluations will be conducted not only at the location of the incident but also at other new SPPGs throughout the region to prevent a similar incident from recurring. He also highlighted the importance of the psychological aspects of the beneficiary children who may be affected.
“One aspect they must also manage is how to reassure these traumatized individuals that they will be safe consuming MBG,” he explained.
Similarly, Deputy Minister of State Secretary (Wamensetneg), Juri Ardiantoro, emphasized that the government is listening to and considering all input regarding MBG. According to him, there have been various views from the public, ranging from proposals for a complete evaluation, a temporary suspension, to ongoing improvements. However, the government believes the program is too important to stop.
“Of course we’ve listened. Several aspirations from various groups have asked for a complete evaluation, some for a temporary suspension, and some for ongoing improvements, but there’s no need to stop it completely,” said Juri.
He added that the MBG program is still running, with various evaluations and improvements underway.
“MBG will continue, and any problems that arise will be immediately addressed, evaluated, and solutions sought so that, as the President said, MBG truly becomes a program that children truly need,” he emphasized.
With synergy between various parties, the MBG program is guaranteed to continue with better quality. The government emphasizes that technical obstacles should not hinder its strong commitment to producing a healthy, strong, and highly competitive generation of Indonesians.
