TEMPO.CO, Jakarta --The Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) spoken up about its concerns on the implementation of Prabowo's flagship project free nutritious meals (MBG). According to the deputy chair of KPAI, Jasra Putra, several meal providers in the program failed to meet nutritional and hygienic standards, including during food preparation.
KPAI emphasizes the importance of periodic supervision and evaluation to ensure that the program is effective and beneficial for children. "It is regrettable if there are still unhealthy foods, processed foods that do not align with the initial vision of the free nutritious meal program," Jasra said during a press conference commemorating National Children's Day at the KPAI Headquarters, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday, July 23, 2025.
Jasra appreciates the free meal program, which has so far fed six million children out of the targeted 84 million across Indonesia. But the implementation still leaves much to be desired, especially in regard to food quality and kitchen compliance with operational standards. "We have submitted recommendations to the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) to conduct a comprehensive evaluation," Jasra said.
Jasra mentions that several kitchens that the child protection agency inspects neglect food safety and proper hygiene standards. Findings include managers not using personal protective equipment, such as masks and gloves, and not changing footwear before entering the kitchen area.
Meanwhile, he says, technical guidelines and health minister regulations related to nutritional intake, as well as sugar, salt, and fat content, are clearly available. "Compliance must be reminded continuously. Not only the managers, but even officials or KPAI commissioners who enter the kitchen must adhere to these standards," Jasra said.
In addition to requesting evaluation and improvement of kitchen standards, KPAI is pushing for layered supervision and the involvement of regional governments from the planning to evaluation stages. According to Jasra, that government must be involved in maintaining quality and ensuring that the program reaches the targeted groups.
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