BPOM, BGN Strengthen Oversight of Free Nutritional Meal Program

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – The Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) and the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) are collaborating to strengthen oversight of the Free Nutritional Meal Program (MBG), with a focus on food safety and quality.

The Cooperation Agreement (PKS) was signed by BPOM Head Taruna Ikrar and BGN Head Dadan Hindayana at the BGN office in Jakarta on Thursday, May 7, 2026. The agreement builds on a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two institutions established on January 23, 2025.

“Food safety and quality are fundamental aspects that must be met in the Free Nutritional Meal Program, which is a national program. Therefore, a strong, integrated, and scientifically based oversight system is needed to protect beneficiaries,” Taruna said.

Under the collaboration, BPOM and BGN will work through a self-management scheme. BPOM’s support includes developing analytical methods, supervising and testing food, and training the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) that implement the program in the field.

BPOM is also deploying a network of 83 technical implementation units (UPTs) across Indonesia to strengthen supervision. The results of testing and monitoring are expected to serve as a basis for evaluating and improving MBG implementation across regions.

“With a network of 83 UPTs nationwide, BPOM is ready to oversee the safety and quality of the MBG Program,” Taruna said. Meanwhile, BGN is supporting the effort by providing facilities, infrastructure, testing equipment, and materials, as well as a program monitoring information system.

Dadan Hindayana emphasized BGN’s commitment to ensuring that all food distributed under the program undergoes strict supervision before reaching the public.

“We want to ensure that every meal distributed through this program has undergone rigorous supervision and testing, so it is safe for public consumption,” he said.

The collaboration is expected not only to strengthen national food oversight but also to ensure the sustainability of the MBG Program in improving the quality of Indonesia’s human resources. The initiative aims to build a healthy, intelligent, and qualified generation to achieve Golden Indonesia 2045. (Misni Parjiati/Lasti Martina)