Nanik Deyang: Schools can opt out of MBG program, no pressure at all
Jakarta, Thekabarnews.com—The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has said again that schools can choose to leave the Free Meals Program (MBG) if they want to. Officials clarified that schools do not...
Jakarta, Thekabarnews.com—The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has said again that schools can choose to leave the Free Meals Program (MBG) if they want to. Officials clarified that schools do not have to participate in the government’s main nutrition program. In fact, participation is still optional.
The BGN’s Deputy Head for Public Communication and Investigation, Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, said that the agency does not force schools to participate in the MBG program. She explained this decision because several schools had requested a pause on MBG services. These requests were due to concerns about the menu and student preferences.
“We do not make schools take part in the MBG program. Schools can decide for themselves whether to participate in the program,” Nanik said, Thursday, Feb 26.
BGN says that the MBG program starts with an offer from the nutrition fulfillment service units (SPPG) to schools. Schools that want to take part can ask for MBG services. The agency does let schools back out without penalty if they later decide they do not want to participate anymore.
For instance, SMP Telkom Purwokerto halted the MBG program due to students’ failure to finish or consume the provided meals. Officials at the school said that one of the main reasons for ending participation was menu preferences.
BGN officials clarified that SPPG officers cannot exert pressure on schools to either join or remain in the program. The agency also said that any kind of intimidation suggesting schools that do not support MBG are following government policies is wrong.
Nanik asserted that the government remains dedicated to enhancing the nutritional status of students nationwide. However, it must respect the fact that participation is voluntary.
“Participation in the MBG program is voluntary, and no school should face pressure or intimidation to join,” she said.
BGN also said that consistent implementation is important for making long-term improvements in child nutrition. Additionally, the agency is open to school and community suggestions for improving the program.
One of President Prabowo Subianto’s main goals is to make sure that Indonesian children get enough to eat. The MBG initiative is one of those programs. Even though participation is voluntary, the government hopes that the program will eventually reach students all over the country.
BGN said it will keep checking on how well the MBG program is working. The agency will also keep talking to schools to make sure the program meets their needs and expectations.
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