Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program Lags in Remote Regions: DPD RI Committee III Evaluates Implementation with National Nutrition Agency

07 October 2026 oleh admin

JAKARTA, dpd.go.id — The Committee III of the House of Regional Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia (DPD RI) has highlighted a series of issues in the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals (Makan Bergizi Gratis / MBG) program, particularly in 3T (underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost) regions. The still limited availability of Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (Satuan Pelayanan Pemenuhan Gizi / SPPG) in several 3T regions reflects the sub-optimal distribution of MBG services for children in those areas.

This issue was discussed during a Working Meeting between Committee III of DPD RI and the National Nutrition Agency (Badan Gizi Nasional / BGN) at the Parliament Complex, Jakarta, on Tuesday (10/6). Several members of Committee III of DPD RI underlined challenges surrounding the MBG program in 3T regions, ranging from uneven SPPG distribution and geographical challenges to raw material price disparities in regions such as East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Papua, and Maluku.

The uneven distribution of SPPGs in Southwest Papua was highlighted by Hartono, Senator for Southwest Papua Province. He explained that several regencies in the province still contain areas that are not yet covered by SPPG services.

"Currently, there are as many as 12,000 beneficiaries in Southwest Papua Province, but percentage-wise, that does not even reach 10%, and they are still concentrated in urban areas. Peripheral and inland areas have not yet been made a priority," Hartono said.

In addition to the uneven distribution of SPPGs in 3T regions, DPD RI Senator from Highland Papua Province, Arianto Kogoya, explained that many community members have not been properly recorded.

"I found that many residents are still not registered 'by name by address' because quite a few of them do not possess an ID card (KTP). Furthermore, we feel that we have not yet received maximum benefits from MBG; in Highland Papua, there are only 14 SPPGs, and even those are located in relatively accessible areas, leaving 5 regencies uncovered," Arianto explained.

Senator from NTT, Maria Stevi, stated that one of the concrete problems in the field is complex geographical conditions. These conditions have prevented MBG distribution to beneficiaries in several areas from running optimally.

"The problem I see in the field is the unique geography, particularly in NTT, because the area consists of many mountains and hills. While the distance may fall within range on paper, because these beneficiaries are located on hills, they are unfortunately unable to receive MBG," Maria said.

Beyond geographical challenges, raw material price disparities were also a focus during the meeting. According to Senator from Maluku, Ana Latuconsina, there is a difference in purchasing power for the MBG menu budget between Java and Maluku due to price differences in raw ingredients.

"From what I observe, an MBG menu in Java with 10,000 IDR can be quite good because raw material prices are cheaper compared to 10,000 IDR in Maluku. In the future, please ensure that the kitchens to be established in Maluku are given attention so that their quality is just as good as those in Java," Ana Latuconsina explained.

Responding to these various issues, Deputy Head of BGN, Agustina Arumsari, explained that 3,318 SPPGs in 3T regions are still in the development phase, while 26,476 SPPGs across agglomeration and 3T regions have become operational as of October 6, 2026. BGN is prioritizing and gradually rolling out SPPG operations in 3T areas by taking into account regional readiness and existing constraints, as part of efforts to achieve equitable MBG services, which are targeted to reach 480 SPPGs in 3T regions.

"We are prioritizing and taking a gradual approach to operating SPPGs in 3T regions. Geographical conditions, infrastructure limitations, the availability of human resources and nutritionists, supply chains, price disparities, and extreme weather risks are factors we must adapt to in delivering MBG services in 3T regions," Agustina stated.

BGN is also preparing regulations to encourage SPPGs to utilize local suppliers and local food resources to fulfill the MBG menu. This step is expected to adapt program execution to regional characteristics while strengthening the utilization of local food potential available in each area.

The Committee III of DPD RI considers that these various issues require serious attention in evaluating the execution of the MBG program, particularly to ensure equitable benefits reach 3T regions. The Committee III urges BGN to strengthen the distribution of SPPGs, adapt program implementation to geographical conditions and regional characteristics, and ensure the availability and quality of food supplies so that all children in 3T regions can benefit from the MBG program optimally.