Head of BGN Claims MBG Successfully Reduces Household Expenditure Burden

DOK BETWEEN

JAKARTA - The Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Dadan Hindayana stated that the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) Program has succeeded in reducing household spending, which is strengthened by the results of a survey from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS).

"When children get nutritious food at school, the burden on parents in preparing supplies and meeting daily food needs is automatically reduced. This is a productive form of social protection," said Dadan Hindayana as quoted by ANTARA, Friday, February 6.

Dadan conveyed this based on the BPS baseline survey involving 81,100 households throughout Indonesia, where the majority of MBG beneficiaries felt it was easier to obtain nutritious food, reduced meal preparation time, and changes in consumption behavior towards a healthier direction, especially in rural areas.

"MBG is designed not only to meet children's nutritional needs, but also to strengthen the economic resilience of families. Reducing household expenses opens up space for families to allocate income to other more productive needs, such as education, health, and savings," he explained.

According to Dadan, the results of the BPS survey are an important basis for the development of more targeted follow-up policies.

"Data from BPS is our foothold to continue to improve the program, so that the benefits are wider and more equitable," said Dadan.

In the future, BGN together with BPS will continue to strengthen the data-based monitoring and evaluation system to ensure that MBG is effective, transparent, and sustainable.

Previously, BPS Head Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti explained that the MBG survey was carried out in two stages, namely a special survey related to the implementation of programs and supply chains, as well as a baseline survey regarding its impact on recipient households.

"Our baseline survey involves 81,100 households across Indonesia to produce estimates down to the provincial level," said Amalia.

Amalia said the survey results showed that the majority of beneficiaries felt it was easier to get nutritious food, reduced meal preparation time, and changes in consumption behavior towards a healthier direction, especially in rural areas.

"The MBG program reduces the burden of household food consumption. The remaining income owned by families can be used to improve their welfare," said Amalia.