IKAPPI DKI Calls MBG Beneficiaries The Most From Java Island

JAKARTA - The Free Nutrition Food Program (MBG) initiated by President Prabowo Subianto is still considered the right direction in efforts to fulfill children's nutrition and local economic empowerment, even though recently there has been an incident of food poisoning.

The existence of a number of cases of food poisoning so far, it must be a special concern for the government in order to carry out strict supervision.

"Small incidents must not invalidate the great benefits that have been achieved by MBG. These incidents must be seen as a signal for all parties to strengthen supervision, not as an excuse to reduce or cancel the program." said Chairman of the Indonesian Market Traders Association (IKAPPI) of DKI Jakarta Province, Miftahuddin, in a written statement received, Tuesday, October 7.

He then put forward a number of actual data which according to him showed how important and large the scope of this program is.

"As of September 8, 2025, the government has distributed the MBG budget of IDR 13 trillion, to serve 22.7 million beneficiaries throughout Indonesia through 7,644 Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG). This is only around 18.3% of the total APBN ceiling of IDR 71 trillion", he explained.

According to him, the largest distribution of recipients is in Java Island, which is around 13.26 million people or almost 58% of the total recipients.

"The realization of MBG has been very good, yes, the most beneficiaries are from Java, followed by Sumatra with 4.86 million, Sulawesi 1.70 million, Bali-Nusa Tenggara 1.34 million, Kalimantan 1.03 million, and Maluku and Papua around 0.52 million people", he said.

Miftahuddin emphasized that the data shows two things, first, the MBG program has provided real benefits and reaches many people.

"Second, there is still a large space to increase the speed of distribution realization and quality of supervision so that the year-end target can be achieved", he said.

He reminded that the national target of MBG beneficiaries in 2025 is 82.9 million people.

"Until September 8, 2025 we have only served 22.7 million, meaning that it is still far from the target. So strengthening the quality, distribution and safety of food cannot be negotiated," he said.

According to Miftahuddin, the empowerment of MSMEs must continue to be improved and equipped with good assistance. He also urged that audit mechanisms, kitchen hygiene standards, and food verification be clarified and tightened, so that every MBG meal can be completely safe and meet nutritional standards.

"This program is not only a matter of quantity, the more children get benefits, it is also a matter of quality, where food must be nutritious in balance, clean, safe. And MSMEs involved as food material providers must be assisted so that the results are according to standards," he concluded.