Govt Expands Nutrition Program to Elderly and People with Disabilities

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs and the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) have agreed to expand the functions of the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG). 

Originally designed for the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program for students, these local hubs will now be repurposed to provide life-sustaining meals for older adults and people with disabilities.

Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf, following a meeting with BGN Head Dadan Hindayana, emphasized that this strategic shift aims to ensure that the nation’s most vulnerable groups receive consistent nutritional intervention. 

By leveraging existing BGN infrastructure, the government can bridge the gap for those who cannot easily access school-based programs.

"The SPPG managed by BGN in the regions will not only provide free nutritious meals for schoolchildren, but will also serve the elderly and people with disabilities, according to the data we have prepared," Saifullah stated in Jakarta on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

The program will prioritize seniors aged 75 and older living alone and individuals with disabilities who face significant barriers to accessing daily nutrition. 

To ensure accuracy, beneficiaries will be identified through a rigorous data assessment conducted by the Ministry of Social Affairs and local administrations, with final validation required from regional heads before service begins at the SPPG.

The expansion also introduces a specialized delivery and care system. While the BGN will manage the budget and food production, the Ministry of Social Affairs will provide trained caregivers and field officers to handle distribution and offer direct support to recipients.

"The MBG program for the elderly and people with disabilities will be centralized at the National Agency for Social Affairs (BGN). The Ministry of Social Affairs will be responsible for preparing the personnel and the food distribution system. We will consolidate the budget at BGN, while we prepare the delivery and caretakers," Minister Saifullah Yusuf added, highlighting a unified budget approach to maximize efficiency. ***