Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform continues to oversee the implementation of President Prabowo Subianto’s priority programs, including the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) initiative.

One of the ministry’s key efforts is strengthening the institutional capacity of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), one of the main bodies responsible for carrying out the MBG program.

“To ensure the success of the MBG initiative, we are also enhancing the institutional structure of the National Nutrition Agency,” Minister of Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform Rini Widyantini said in a statement issued in Jakarta on Friday.

She emphasized that the ministry will continue to coordinate with various sectors to support the President’s priority programs.

Widyantini explained that the MBG program aims to guarantee access to nutritious food for all Indonesians, especially those from low-income families.

The initiative was launched in response to the President’s concern over high rates of malnutrition in several regions. It involves central and regional institutions, local farmers, and community groups to ensure the meals provided are nutritious while also supporting the local economy.

The minister said the program’s implementation is being designed to ensure effectiveness and collaboration through two main components — BGN’s management system and inter-agency coordination.

She noted that the BGN’s management strategy focuses on strengthening organizational systems and governance, including digitalization and registration processes.

“The enhancement also covers human resource competency, procurement and distribution, partnerships, monitoring and evaluation, and risk management,” she said.

Meanwhile, inter-agency coordination covers food quality assurance, nutrition standards, and supporting infrastructure such as sanitation, hygiene, and accessibility.

Collaboration also includes halal certification, use of local products, waste management, inclusive services, empowerment of cooperatives and MSMEs, legal assistance, and data system integration.

Widyantini added that the ministry is working to improve governance and institutional arrangements for regional nutrition service offices and ensure sufficient human resources.

“The ministry is also promoting digital transformation and integration of BGN’s digital services to enhance the program’s overall effectiveness,” she stated.

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