Jakarta (The Indonesian News) – The government is strengthening oversight of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program by involving regional governments. To that end, the Ministry of Home Affairs has issued Circular Letter No. 400.5/8545/SJ on the Implementation of Inspections and Conformity Assessments of Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) in the Regions.
Through the circular, Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian has asked governors, regents, and mayors to strengthen oversight of SPPG operations while supporting the smooth implementation of the program, a priority of President Prabowo Subianto.
The Home Affairs Minister emphasized that MBG is a program whose benefits are felt directly by the public, especially children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers. Therefore, regional governments need to be actively involved to ensure the program runs well and meets established standards.
“We at the Ministry of Home Affairs are deeply committed to supporting the success of this program. Therefore, as the supervisors and coaches of regional governments, we are mobilizing and encouraging regional governments to also participate in this success,” the Home Affairs Minister said in an official statement on Wednesday (28/10).
One form of regional government involvement is inspecting SPPG operations. Under the circular, regional heads may assign an MBG Task Force to inspect SPPG units in their respective areas.
The MBG Task Force comprises representatives of regional government organizations (OPD) responsible for health, education, public works, environment, agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and food security, as well as elements of the inspectorate. Inspections are carried out together with National Nutrition Agency (BGN) officials in the regions, referring to the 14 SPPG operational eligibility indicators drawn up by BGN.
The inspections cover SPPG operational eligibility, including the quality and menus of the food provided. The measure aims to maintain the quality of food received by beneficiaries while minimizing food waste.
“What are their (MBG Task Force) duties? Among them, in the short term, is conducting inspections. To see whether an SPPG is eligible or not there is a list of indicators prepared by the Head of BGN. And after that, a kind of conclusion will be drawn,” the Home Affairs Minister explained.
Beyond operational inspections of SPPG units, regional governments are also asked to evaluate beneficiaries, particularly in urban areas. The evaluation is carried out through questionnaires involving school principals and school committees to obtain input on the program’s implementation.
The results of the inspections and evaluations are then reported to BGN, with a copy to the Ministry of Home Affairs. The report must include recommendations on SPPG operational eligibility eligible to continue, eligible to continue with improvements, or not eligible to continue along with brief reasons.
The Home Affairs Minister emphasized that MBG oversight is not only about meeting nutritional needs and addressing stunting but also requires cross-sector involvement so that implementation runs optimally.
“These are the steps we are taking. I have also explained to colleagues in the regions that this is not just a matter of health and stunting,” the Home Affairs Minister said.
Meanwhile, BGN Head Sudaryono welcomed the issuance of the circular as part of efforts to improve the governance of the MBG program. According to him, oversight involving more stakeholders can promote more transparent implementation in line with President Prabowo’s vision and mission.
“So the point is we very much hope for this, and I think it is a good thing. It means the kitchens in the regions receive appropriate oversight, are inspected appropriately, and we then assess them against the standards,” Sudaryono said.
Source: Press Release, Indonesian Government Communication Agency (Bakom)
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