Ombudsman Highlights MBG Distribution Using Open Cars Prone To Dust And Pollution In Babylon

Illustration of MBG. Public Relations of the Bogor City Government.

PANGKALPINANG The Free Nutrition Food Program (MBG) in the Bangka Belitung Islands (Babel) received sharp attention from the local Indonesian Ombudsman Representative. This is because the process of distributing food to schools is still found using open vehicles, a practice that has the potential to cause food exposed to dust and road pollution.

The Head of the Babel Islands Ombudsman Representative, Shulby Yozar Ariadhy, emphasized the importance of improving the system so that risks to beneficiaries can be eliminated.

"We invite all parties to sit together, look at the facts on the ground and improve the system gap so that there is no risk for beneficiaries," said Yozar, quoted from ANTARA, Monday, November 24, 2025.

Appreciation And Critical Notes Of Field Procedures

In a series of surveillance at several points of the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG), the Ombudsman appreciated the hard work spirit of the organizers, ranging from foundations, partners, to field staff, who tried to ensure that the food arrived on time.

However, in the midst of this spirit, several critical notes were found that were considered disturbing the safety of beneficiaries.

"This should be appreciated, but in the midst of this spirit several notes that need to be corrected immediately so that the safety of the beneficiaries is not disturbed by procedural negligence," said Yozar.

One of the main findings is the use of open vehicles for the distribution of MBG to schools, which clearly increases the risk of hygiene.

Complaints Difficult To Serve, Complaint SOPs Don't Yet Exist

In addition to distribution issues, the Ombudsman also highlighted the system's weaknesses in handling complaints. It was found that there is no Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that regulates handling complaints in case of problems, such as food delays.

"We found that the food had arrived late at several schools, so it was difficult for the school to file a complaint because there was no SOP in handling the complaints and complaints," explained Yozar.

In addition, surveys for the selection of food menus for students have not been carried out regularly. This has the potential to cause boredom and boredom for MBG beneficiaries.

Yozar stressed that this note is not intended to blame anyone. On the other hand, these findings are expected to be of serious concern to all parties.

"This note is not to blame anyone, but it is hoped that some of these findings will be of serious concern, so that this program is really realized properly to improve the quality of the human resources of the people in this area," he concluded.