Badan Gizi Nasional manages MBG program growth and internal investigations

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) is managing several developments regarding its Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program. The agency reported that animal protein consumption among school children has risen from 26 percent to 84 percent, while fruit and vegetable consumption increased from 65 percent to 90 percent. To ensure program quality, BGN is prioritizing implementation in underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost (3T) regions and is refining data usage through the Ministry of Education to better target beneficiaries.

However, the agency is also addressing internal and systemic challenges. BGN is conducting an ethics hearing for the Purwakarta Regional Coordinator following an investigation into alleged violence at the Bogor Nutrition Fulfillment Service Office. Additionally, BGN head Sudaryono has exposed a fraudulent scheme involving foundations acting as intermediaries that demand illegal fees per meal portion without contributing to kitchen operations or capital.

To maintain food safety and efficiency, BGN is tightening oversight of Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG), evaluating problematic kitchens, and adjusting incentive schemes to Rp2,000 per portion. The agency aims to improve service by testing buffet-style presentations to ensure meals are served warm and fresh in classrooms.