The Palace Affirms That MBG Does Not Charge Additional Fees For Recipient Students

JAKARTA - Spokesperson for the Presidential Communication Office (PCO) Adita Irawati emphasized that the implementation of the Free Nutrition Food Program (MBG) does not charge additional fees to students as beneficiaries.

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) as the free nutritious eating agency does not allow schools to ask for levies.

"BGN has confirmed that it is not actually allowed to collect. This is what he emphasized, there should be no levies," Adita said while reviewing the implementation of the MBG Program in South Tangerang, Banten, Antara, Monday, January 13.

According to Adita, the kitchen of the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) as a free nutritious eating unit that distributes food includes a place to eat or a turnover to be ready for students to eat. Meanwhile, the school urges students to bring their own food and drink utensils.

"From the start of the place, the contents, must be provided by SPPG or a free nutritious dining kitchen. Meanwhile, the tools and drinks are indeed requested to be provided by the students themselves. So we ask that there be no more additions," said Adita.

Based on information gathered from previous news, the levy case occurred at a school where the school asked for a collection of food containers.

The school asked for Rp. 30,000 for the purchase of food containers related to the MBG Program and each child was required to buy two containers, bringing the total levies to Rp. 60 thousand.

Adita also asked the public to dare to report to BGN if they found fraud under the guise of the Free Nutrition Food Program (MBG).

This is in response to the many reports from various regions, especially catering business actors who became victims after being deceived by irresponsible parties with the lure of potentially becoming suppliers to the MBG Program.