Are students being forced to collect free meals during school holidays? This question has sparked some debate, but according to Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, the Deputy Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), the answer is a resounding no. She firmly stated that there's no requirement for students to personally collect the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) during breaks.
Deyang clarified that the meals can be collected by parents or other relatives. What's more, schools and parents have the freedom to opt out without any pressure. "There is no coercion for children to come to school during holidays to take MBG,” she emphasized.
BGN understands the importance of consistent nutrition for students. However, they also acknowledge that school holidays are a time for rest and family. Therefore, the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) or MBG kitchens offer beneficiary schools the option to continue receiving MBG, if they wish.
The meals, in the form of dry food, will be delivered by the SPPG based on the school's request.
But here's where it gets controversial: Deyang also addressed accusations that the holiday meal distribution is a way to exhaust the budget. She refuted these claims, stating that the program is actually saving money. The MBG budget for 2025 is set at Rp71 trillion, initially targeting 6 million beneficiaries. However, the program has expanded to benefit 50 million Indonesian children, toddlers, breastfeeding mothers, and pregnant women.
This cost-effectiveness is partly due to the support of various foundations and partners who are independently building MBG kitchens. This reduces the need for BGN to construct its own kitchens.
Deyang explained that BGN's expenses primarily cover the MBG program itself (at Rp15,000 per meal), employee salaries (including SPPG heads, nutritionists, and accountants—nearly 100,000 personnel nationwide), and operational costs.
She concluded by highlighting the government's commitment to improving children's nutrition, in line with President Prabowo's directive that no Indonesian child should miss out on MBG.
What do you think? Do you believe the program is being implemented effectively? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
