JAKARTA - President Prabowo Subianto opened the opportunity for school canteens to be involved in the implementation of Free Nutritious Meals or MBG. The government is beginning to study new alternatives so that food distribution does not only depend on the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit or SPPG.
Deputy Head of the National Nutrition Agency or BGN Agustina Arumsari said the option was discussed in a meeting at the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, Wednesday, July 15.
According to Agustina, Presidential Regulation Number 115 currently regulates the implementation of MBG through SPPG. However, Prabowo asked the government not to be stuck on one scheme.
"Mr. President said please study if there are other alternatives. So don't just make it the only option to provide the implementation scheme," said Agustina after the meeting.
When asked whether the alternative included school canteens, Agustina confirmed it.
"Yes, including. That is the part that please be studied," he said.
School canteens have not been automatically designated as MBG implementers. BGN still has to examine the basis of the policy, the readiness of the manager, and the supervision mechanism before the option is brought back to the President.
Prabowo, said Agustina, asked that every proposal not be decided in a hurry. The government must first ensure that its data and policy basis are strong.
"Every policy choice is carefully studied, what is the basis and so on. Later, come back to him, convey the development for us to decide," he said.
The opening of the new scheme is part of a thorough evaluation of the implementation of the MBG. The President also ordered the ministry to help the BGN leadership improve the program which has involved millions of beneficiaries.
However, BGN has not said when the study on the involvement of school canteens will be completed. The change in rules has also not been decided.
Agustina emphasized that all proposals were still being calculated and examined. The government will first ensure that the new scheme can be implemented without interfering with the main purpose of MBG.
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