The Free Nutritious Consuming Program (MBG) obtained sturdy criticism from civilians following a surge in poisoning circumstances in colleges. The Indonesian Schooling Monitoring Community (JPPI) recorded 5,360 circumstances till September 14, 2025. The quantity elevated 1,092 circumstances within the subsequent week.

JPPI Nationwide Coordinator Ubaid Matraji mentioned the sharp enhance in circumstances occurred for the reason that new faculty yr when the MBG program was intensified. “In June it had come down as a result of the college was nonetheless within the admission of scholars. As quickly as July entered, August and September this was lauched, the numbers went up loopy as much as hundreds,” Ubaid mentioned in a gathering with the Home of Representatives Fee IX within the Parliament Complicated, Senayan, Jakarta, Monday, September 22, 2025.

In the identical discussion board, Nutritionist Tan Shot Yen emphasised that the MBG downside is systemic, not simply technical. He highlighted the distribution of meals Extremely-Processited Meals (UPF) which is taken into account not in accordance with youngster dietary requirements. “Prevention of malnutrition can’t solely share meals that’s unclear high quality,” Tan mentioned.

MBG Reform 4 Steps

First, cease the distribution of UPF -based dry meals. Second, cease the operation of the free meals supplier faculty (SPPG). Third, bettering the standard of dietary employees who’ve minimal competence, don’t even perceive meals security requirements reminiscent of HACCP. Fourth, implementing an accountable monitoring, analysis and supervision system.

5 suggestions for MBG enchancment

1. Prioritize the 3T space

The MBG program ought to goal underdeveloped, foremost, and outermost areas (3T), not simply colleges in city areas. Within the 3T space that’s troublesome to construct a luxurious kitchen (SPPG), the federal government can empower the college canteen. The canteen proprietor must be educated, educated, and supervised in order that the presentation of meals stays secure and nutritious.

“The goal is definitely within the 3T space, the place faculty youngsters must cross the river or muddy highway. Not even within the metropolis with a luxurious kitchen billions of rupiah,” he mentioned.

2. Cooperation with Puskesmas

The supervision of the MBG program should be carried out with the Well being Workplace and Puskesmas, not simply BPOM. Puskesmas has an vital function in supervision, monitoring, and evaluating the standard of meals and faculty well being.

“Environmental well being is a puskesmas space. So, constructing cooperation with the DHO, not simply sharing packaged milk,” Tan mentioned.

All kitchen budgets and meals provide should be opened to the general public in order that accountability. Tan reminded that there was no follow of “secretly” that made individuals not know the way MBG funds have been managed. “Do not stay quiet. The whole lot should be open, from the kitchen to distribution,” he mentioned.

MBG should be accompanied by training about wholesome consuming patterns. Kids are taught the significance of consumption of greens and a balanced menu in order to not throw meals. Puskesmas Diet Implementation Workers (TPG) and lecturers should be concerned, not simply to be “Grasp of Share meals. “

“If the greens usually are not hooked, there are carrots, there are others. Don’t let the youngsters solely be invited to calculate energy, with out realizing the standard of the meals,” he mentioned.

At the very least 80 p.c of the MBG menu should come from native meals to match the tradition and availability of the area. Papuan youngsters can eat acid puha fish, Sulawesi youngsters can eat kapurung, not burgers, spaghetti, or noodles comprised of imported wheat. That is on the identical time empowering native merchandise and MSMEs across the faculty.

“I would like Papuan youngsters to eat bitter sauce, Sulawesi youngsters can eat capurung. However in actuality from Lhoknga (Aceh) to Papua, which is split by burgers and spaghetti. Although wheat doesn’t develop in Indonesian earth,” Tan mentioned.