During a review of the MBG program's implementation in South Tangerang, Banten, on Monday, Irawati stated that the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), which oversees the program, prohibits schools from levying any fees from students.
"BGN has confirmed that collecting levies is not allowed. This is what we want to make clear that levies should not exist," Irawati emphasized.
She explained that the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG), or the kitchens managing the meal provision, already supply lunch containers for students. However, students are urged to bring their eating and drinking utensils.
"According to the program's guidelines, the meals and the lunch containers are provided by SPPG or the free nutritious meal kitchen. Students are expected to bring their own utensils, so there should be no additional charges," Irawati explained.
It was earlier reported that a school mandated students to purchase food containers for the MBG program.
Each student at that school was charged Rp30 thousand (around US$2). Since students were required to buy two containers, the total cost reached Rp60 thousand.
Consequently, Irawati urged the public to report any cases of fraud under the guise of the Free Nutritious Meal Program to the BGN.
She called for vigilance following reports of several catering businesses being misled by unscrupulous parties who falsely promised them supplier roles in the program, leading to substantial financial losses.
Currently, the budget allocated for the Free Nutritious Meals program stands at Rp71 trillion (US$4.4 billion), with the government's plan to add another Rp140 trillion (US$8.6 billion) for the program.
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Translator: Mentari G, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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