Indonesia expands Makan Bergizi Gratis nutrition program

The Indonesian government is expanding its Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG) nutrition program, a priority initiative of the Prabowo-Gibran administration. The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has inaugurated 480 Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) across 16 provinces, specifically targeting remote, frontier, and outermost regions with high stunting rates.

To ensure program integrity, the BGN has permanently halted operations at four SPPG facilities in Karo, Blora, Bantul, and Jayapura due to food safety violations. Meanwhile, the DPD RI Committee III has called for strengthened accountability and stricter oversight regarding food safety and sanitation to prevent potential poisoning incidents.

Local implementation varies across regions. In Sleman, a buffet-style pilot project has been introduced, involving students in the food distribution process. In Malang, local police have conducted inspections of schools and kitchens to ensure food hygiene. However, in Depok, officials stated that the buffet-style model has not yet been implemented as they await official directives from the BGN.