The Badan Gizi Nasional (BGN) is pausing the distribution of the Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG) program during the school holiday period to conduct a comprehensive audit of all nutrition kitchens. According to Vice Head of BGN Agustina Arumsari, the agency is using this time to transform its internal data management and governance, ensuring the program is better prepared for when students return to class.
Audit of Nutrition Kitchens
Arumsari confirmed that all kitchens associated with the national nutrition program will undergo an audit during the school break. The agency aims to ensure that field conditions are more organized and efficient once the school term resumes. This move is part of a broader effort to improve data accuracy, which Arumsari identified as a critical requirement for effective policy implementation. The BGN is currently coordinating with other ministries and institutions to consolidate data that may have been fragmented in the past.
Changes to Operational Incentives
The agency plans to abandon the flat-rate incentive structure for Satuan Pelayanan Pemenuhan Gizi (SPPG) units. Previously, these units received a fixed daily incentive of Rp 6 million regardless of the number of beneficiaries served. Arumsari stated that the BGN will now evaluate the actual number of beneficiaries and the quality of food produced before determining funding levels. This restructuring may include consolidating SPPG units in areas where the number of beneficiaries is lower, as part of a broader budgetary refocusing process.
Maximizing Existing Assets
The BGN is shifting its policy regarding the procurement of equipment, including electric motorcycles and IT hardware purchased during the 2025 fiscal year. Arumsari emphasized that assets already paid for by state funds must be fully utilized rather than replaced. The agency intends to audit its 2026 budget to eliminate redundant spending on items where output would be identical to previous acquisitions. This effort includes reviewing assets like laptops, IoT devices, and CCTV systems to ensure they provide maximum value.
Refocusing Beneficiaries for 2027
The BGN is reviewing its target demographics for the 2027 program to ensure resources reach those most in need. Arumsari noted that while the agency has been allocated a ceiling of approximately Rp 270 trillion for 81.5 million beneficiaries, the final figure may be adjusted for efficiency. A key proposal involves excluding high-income students, such as those attending schools where students possess significant personal daily spending money. This adjustment could potentially reduce the beneficiary count by approximately 8 million, allowing the program to focus more on critical nutritional intervention windows, such as the first 1,000 days of life and early childhood development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Makan Bergizi Gratis program being paused?
The program is being paused during the school holidays to allow the BGN to audit all kitchens and improve the overall governance and data management of the program.
Will the daily incentive for SPPG units remain Rp 6 million?
No. The BGN plans to end the flat-rate incentive system and will instead base funding on the actual number of beneficiaries and the quality of the food produced.
Are there plans to remove some students from the program?
Yes. The BGN is considering a refocusing of beneficiaries, which may include removing students from higher socioeconomic backgrounds to ensure the program is more targeted toward those who need nutritional intervention.
How do you think prioritizing specific age groups for nutritional support will impact the program’s overall effectiveness?
