Center Disburses IDR 50 Trillion For MBG Program In West Java

Illustration of free bergizi meals (ANTARA)

BOGOR Provincial Government (Pemprov) of West Java together with the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) held a limited coordination meeting (rakortas) related to the implementation of the Free Nutrition Food (MBG) program at Bale Pakuan Pajajaran (Bakorwil), Bogor City, Monday 29 September.

Head of BGN, Dadan Hindayana, said that the central government would distribute a grant of Rp. 50 trillion to support the technical implementation of MBG in West Java.

"And we have agreed that this program can be implemented together. We, BGN, will send money to West Java of approximately Rp. 50 trillion and please consider it part of the original regional income (PAD)," said Dadan.

He emphasized that the funds were the contribution of the central government. Although it is not managed directly by the local government, the technical implementation of the program will still be carried out by the local government.

The Governor of West Java, Dedi Mulyadi, added that his party had evaluated the framework while waiting for a presidential regulation related to MBG. "The West Java Provincial Government will form an evaluation team," said Dedi.

The team will monitor all stages of implementation, starting from the preparation of raw materials, cooking processes, distribution of food, to food trials before being consumed by students. Those who taste are not allowed to be teachers, but the food feasibility examining team," he said.

Dedi also highlighted a number of complaints related to the implementation of MBG in the field. According to him, the budget of Rp. 10,000 per portion must be met according to the provisions, with a profit margin of Rp. 2,000 has been taken into account. If the value of food received by students is not appropriate, then there are three consequences: administrative sanctions, termination of partnerships, and the criminal process of corruption.

"If there is money embezzled and not served in the form of food, then it can enter the criminal realm. These three things are the focus so that the implementation of MBG is better," he said.

In addition, Dedi opened up opportunities for the construction of special kitchens in schools with more than a thousand students. This scheme allows parents to volunteer as MBG managers, while job recruitment is prioritized from local residents so that the program can become a local economic stimulus.

Di tempat yang sama, Wakil Wali Kota Bogor, Jenal Mutaqin, mengungkapkan pemprov dan pemda kota/bupaten sepakat membentuk satgas pengawasan MBG. Jika semua SOP dijalankan di masing-masing kitchen, rasa kasus penyakitian bisa diminimalkan, jelas Jenal.

He added that so far there are 102 Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) in West Java, with 34 of them already operating. All SPPGs are owned by private parties or foundations. Jenal emphasized the importance of strict supervision, including ensuring food delivery is no more than 30 minutes from leaving the kitchen.

"If delivery is more than 30 minutes, it means it is not appropriate. So we have the right to report to BGN that the distance between the kitchen and school is too far," he concluded.