Lampung Disburses IDR 780 Billion For MBG, Toxic E. Coli Becomes A Challenge

Illustrations - Students of SMAN 1 Kalirejo Central Lampung are carrying food from the MBG program. ANTARA/Ruth Intan Sozometa Kanafi.

The Directorate General of Treasury (DJPb) of the Ministry of Finance (Kemenkeu) Lampung reported that the realization of the Free Nutrition Food program (MBG) budget in Lampung Province until August 2025 had reached Rp780.34 billion. This program is said to have reached all 15 districts and cities in Lampung.

The Head of the DJPb Regional Office of the Ministry of Finance of Lampung, Purwadhi Adhiputranto, said that the development was in Bandarlampung, Monday (29/9). "The realization of the budget for the Free Nutrition Eating program in Lampung is IDR 780.34 billion, and the progress of this program has reached 15 districts and cities in Lampung Province," said Purwadhi.

He added that the formation of the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) until August 2025 had reached 424 units, or about 65 percent of the target of 957 units.

"The current beneficiary is only 65 percent or 1,318,713 people from the target of 2,021,981 people," he said. Meanwhile, the number of recipient groups was recorded at 12,552 groups, involving 700 suppliers.

Mass Challenges And Toxics

Behind this achievement, Purwadhi explained a number of major challenges in the implementation of the MBG program. One of them is the understanding of financial reporting which is still minimal among SPPG financial managers.

In addition, this program is faced with problems with quality and food hygiene. Purwadhi highlighted the difficulty of nutritionists in ensuring the accuracy of calories and hygiene, especially after the poisoning incident.

"In the second week of September 2025, there were 247 students of SMPN 31 Bandarlampung and SDN 2 Sukabumi who were poisoned by food contaminated with E. Coli bacteria," he explained. This incident even resulted in the temporary closure of the MBG kitchen in Sukabumi District.

Recommendations For Program Improvement

Responding to this challenge, the DJPb of the Ministry of Finance of Lampung has compiled a number of recommendations for improving the MBG program:

Vulnerable Target Increase

Purwadhi emphasized the need for consistent evaluation of beneficiaries by BGN, SPPG, and the education office, with a special focus on vulnerable groups such as toddlers and pregnant women.

Program Synergy

Synergy is needed between the MBG program and other welfare programs such as PPS (Social Empowerment Program), Family Hope Program (PKH), and Non-Cash Food Assistance (BPNT) involving BGN, the Ministry of Social Affairs, and social services. The goal is to provide a double effect on fulfilling nutrition and welfare.

Local Partnership

Strengthening the role of BUMDes, village cooperatives, and local MSMEs as food providers of MBG through village partnerships and MSMEs.

Quality Supervision

SPPG must tighten control over raw materials, cooking processes, and the hygiene of food equipment to prevent the recurrence of poisoning cases.

Purwadhi hopes that this recommendation can be implemented to ensure that the MBG program runs more effectively, hygienically, and on target.