South Kalimantan Governor asks MBG handed over to schools

Governor Muhidin makes a statement after opening development planning forum (Musrenbang) on 2024-2029 South Kalimantan medium term development plan in Banjarbaru, Monday (May 5, 2025). ANTARA/Tumpal Andani Aritonang

Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan (ANTARA) - South Kalimantan Governor Muhidin asked the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) to hand over Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program to schools not through third parties for budget efficiency and to be right on target.

“I have just conveyed it to representatives of National Development Planning Ministry (Bappenas) and Home Affairs Ministry (Kemendagri) that our suggestion to be considered by the central government that MBG to be carried out by school not third parties as food providers,” he said at the Development Planning Conference (Musrenbang) on 2024-2029 Regional Medium Term Development Plan (RPJMD) in Banjarbaru, Monday.

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Too much budget to be cut, he said, if it is through third party. But if handed over to schools, funds could be more efficient and right on target according to local wisdom.

“The regions understand the needs of children better. South Kalimantan, for instance, has a local menu, such as haruan (snakehead fish), papuyu (climbing gourami) fish, this is a local nutritious menu that can be an alternative for MBG in South Kalimantan,” he pointed out.

The Governor worried if third partie involve too much, the budget will increasingly wasteful and bloated. On the contrary, budget will be more optimal and can reach more school children if it is handed over to schools.

In its implementation, he said, regional head and related officials conduct strict supervision. Schools will provide menu that suits students' taste according to nutrition standards.

Muhidin gave illustration, MBG fund Rp20,000 per portion, if fully handed over to schools most likely there will be no deductions because it is entirely for students without paying third parties.

“We ask the ministry to discuss our suggestion from South Kalimantan with related parties at the center, so that MBG program is more effective and efficient,” said Muhidin.