MBG to Continue, School Canteens Set for Distribution Scheme

Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu'ti said the Makan Bergizi Gratis program will continue, but its distribution scheme will be changed, including by involving school canteens or kitchens. During a working visit to Kudus Regency, Central Java, on Saturday (13/6), he said 43.4 million students, or 80.94 percent of the total 53.5 million students, support the program's continuation. The beneficiary data are now connected to Dapodik, allowing the government to screen schools most in need. Mu'ti said schools judged to have lower needs may no longer receive MBG, while schools with students who need it more will be prioritized. Food provision also does not have to go entirely through Satuan Pelayanan Pemenuhan Gizi, but will remain under the supervision of Badan Gizi Nasional. He added that poisoning cases will be used to evaluate problematic kitchens, not as a reason to stop the entire program.