“We look into shortcomings and order them to be immediately addressed. If kitchens are unable to follow our instructions for improvements, we will shut them down,” he remarked in Bogor City, West Java, on Friday.
Sudaryono pointed out that the program is currently running through roughly 27,000 kitchens in multiple regions across Indonesia, noting that most have been operating in compliance with BGN standards.
Even so, he assured the public of continued oversight and monitoring through stronger coordination with the relevant stakeholders, including regional governments, to ensure optimal implementation.
He made the statement during a surprise inspection of MBG implementation at Public Elementary School 9 Bantarjati, an initiative taken only on his third day in office.
He emphasized that such inspections are necessary to ensure the program proceeds according to standards and to garner input and suggestions from schools, kitchens, and community members.
“We are listening to suggestions, input, and criticism,” he said.
The BGN chief further noted that his team is determined to conduct thorough evaluations, addressing kitchen hygiene, menu quality, serving methods, and students’ reception of the meals provided.
He also outlined agency plans to bolster nutrition education in schools by preparing supplementary materials that urge pupils to wash their hands before meals, build awareness of nutritional value, and instill the habit of eating vegetables.
The initiative, he explained, is meant to underline that the program extends beyond meal provision, aiming to foster healthier diets and improve overall nutritional intake.
Elementary School 9 Bantarjati Principal Sugiartini reported that the MBG program has driven positive changes in students’ eating habits.
“The children are very enthusiastic. Those who usually skipped breakfast now eat it, and those who once avoided vegetables now enjoy them. Praise be to God, almost every child receives MBG meals and finishes them,” she said.
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Translator: M. Fikri, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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