MBG program needed by 65 percent of Indonesians, BGN says

hartono · Apr 17, 2026

Deputy Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Sony Sanjaya and officials at an Nutritious Free Food (MBG) program coordination meeting in Pangkalpinang, Bangka Belitung Islands, on Friday (April 18, 2026). ANTARA/Aprionis/nbl.

Pangkalpinang, Bangka Belitung (ANTARA) - The Free Nutritious Food (MBG) program in schools is needed by nearly 65 percent of Indonesians due to its nutritional and economic benefits, according to Sony Sanjaya, Deputy Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN).

"According to a survey, some 65 percent of Indonesians need the MBG program," Sanjaya stated at an MBG program coordination meeting here on Friday.

The number is consistent with the program’s primary objectives of fostering a healthy and quality younger generation while simultaneously contributing to the national economy through regional development.

Sanjaya said that to ensure quality, nutritious food for schoolchildren, BGN will take preventive measures against implementation errors, including suspending MBG kitchens, officially known as Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG), if necessary.

"We monitor the SPPGs, and we will suspend their operations if errors are found," he said.

The agency deputy head pointed out procedural errors that may have occurred at SPPGs, including keeping food for too long before serving in schools and failing to comply with required kitchen specifications.

MBG kitchens should not prepare food at 5 p.m. and serve it to schoolchildren at 8 a.m. the following day, as this constitutes a procedural violation under BGN regulations, he said.

Meanwhile, suspended SPPGs are given the opportunity to improve their services and meet facility requirements before BGN allows them to resume serving schoolchildren.

"Let us implement the MBG program optimally to help bolster human resources quality and regional economy," Sanjaya remarked.