MBG distribution plan changed, school cafeterias added as option
Schools judged less needy may be dropped, while priority students are mapped through Dapodik for more targeted aid.
Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu'ti said the Makan Bergizi Gratis program will continue, but its distribution scheme will be changed to make it more targeted. One option prepared by the government is to involve school kitchens or cafeterias as food providers, not only through Satuan Pelayanan Pemenuhan Gizi. He said recipient data is now linked to Data Pokok Pendidikan, allowing the government to map students by name, address and school. Of the total 53.5 million students in Indonesia, about 43.4 million, or 80.94 percent, have received MBG. Schools deemed not to need the program as much may no longer receive it, while schools with more needy students will be prioritized. Abdul Mu'ti also said poisoning cases will not stop the program entirely; problem kitchens will be evaluated and their licenses can be revoked. Implementation remains under the coordination of Badan Gizi Nasional.