BGN Prepares National Rapid Test To Guarantee Security For Free Nutrition Eating Programs

The activity of the nutritional fulfillment service unit (SPPG) in the MBG (VOI) Program

JAKARTA - The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) continues to strengthen health infrastructure supporting free nutritious food programs (MBG) by accelerating the implementation of rapid tests in all Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG).

This step was marked by regional consolidation which was held at Sentul International Convention Center (SICC), Bogor Regency, West Java, Monday, October 13. This event was attended by thousands of participants from three provinces, namely West Java, Jakarta, and Banten.

Head of BGN Dadan Hindayana emphasized that the procurement of rapid test kits will be carried out in the near future.

"We have circulated a list of vendors who are ready to become provider partners. There are about 10 to 12 vendors who will supply the need for rapid test kits for all SPPGs in Indonesia," said Dadan in his statement.

Previously, rapid tests had been carried out on 10 SPPGs as a pilot project. The results of these trials will be the basis for simultaneous implementation in all service units.

"Rapid tests are the main requirement before MBG is distributed, to ensure all stages run according to safety and health standards," he added.

The implementation of the rapid test is not only intended for program beneficiaries, but also for all field officers who are involved in processing and distributing nutritious food. This step is in line with the preventive approach carried by BGN in building a healthy and sustainable food ecosystem.

In addition to the health aspect, BGN also pays attention to improving the quality of the food production process. At least 5,000 professional cooks from the International Chef Association will be deployed to all SPPGs to assist the operational process, starting from the selection of materials, processing, to the packaging of nutritious food.

To support the entire program, the government has set a budget allocation of IDR 335 trillion for 2026. The budget consists of IDR 268 trillion as the basic allocation, as well as an additional IDR 67 trillion that has been approved.

According to Dadan, the large funds are not only used for the implementation of MBG, but also for national food and nutrition system reform as a whole.

"This transformation is not just a matter of distributing food. We are building a system that ensures that every Indonesian child grows healthy, intelligent, and ready to face the future," he said.