4 hours ago
9
January 24, 2025 | 07:59 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Center for Economics and Law Studies (Celios) has raised concerns about the potential for budget leakage up to trillions of rupiah in the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program if its management lacks transparency. This risk stems from several factors, including inefficient program management and opportunities for corruption.
Celios Director Bhima Yudhistira highlighted communication and transparency issues within the MBG management. He observed that the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has not yet served as the sole authority for the MBG program, despite being responsible for guiding the program initiated by President Prabowo Subianto.
“All coordination should be centralized on a platform under the BGN,” he emphasized during a discussion with media representatives in the Cikini area, Central Jakarta, on Thursday, January 23, 2025.
Non-transparent management, compounded by logistical inefficiencies, could lead to significant financial losses. Given the substantial five-year budget of Rp71 trillion, Celios estimated a potential loss of up to Rp8.5 trillion. However, Bhima stopped short of detailing the specific calculation for this potential loss.
The MBG preparation process has also been criticized for falling short of expectations, particularly considering the huge government funding. Bhima pointed out that procurement of goods and services tends to be slow and inadequately supervised.
“Procurement processes are often lacking, with some even involving the use of personal funds by officials. That’s where the potential for budget leakage within the MBG program comes from,” he explained.
Furthermore, Bhima criticized the current centralized food distribution system through public kitchens, deeming it inefficient. The cost of transporting food from public kitchens to numerous schools is considered high.
Bhima proposed an alternative solution involving the participation of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and school canteens in the distribution of free nutritious meals. This approach is expected to reduce overall MBG spending. “Schools should distribute food directly instead of relying on centralized distribution through public kitchens,” the Celios Director suggested.
Editor's Choice: Free Nutritious Meal Will Continue During Ramadan, BGN Says
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Trade Minister Optimistic Export to Grow by 7.1 Percent in 2025
7 jam lalu
Trade Minister Budi Santoso is confident that Indonesia's exports can increase by 7.1 percent in 2025.
Free Nutritious Meal Will Continue During Ramadan, BGN Says
8 jam lalu
BGN says there will be different schemes for distributing free nutritious meals during Ramadan.
Today's Top 3 News: Countries Dropping the Dollar: The Rise of De-Dollarization
9 jam lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
Prabowo Asks Regional Governments to Cut Official Trip Budgets by 50 Percent
15 jam lalu
Prabowo has implemented a similar policy earlier and claimed to save Rp3.6 trillion.
BGN to Evaluate Free Nutritious Meal Program Every Day to Prevent Food Poisoning
1 hari lalu
BGN will also improve food safety procedures in the free nutritious meal program.
6 Million Children Targeted to Get Free Nutritious Meal by April 2025
1 hari lalu
President Prabowo Subianto said that the free nutritious meal program has so far been enjoyed by 659,000 people in 31 provinces.
Prabowo: I Don't Work with a Target of Hundreds of Days
1 hari lalu
President Prabowo praised the strong teamwork and dedication exhibited by the Red and White Cabinet.
State-Owned ID Food Eyes Larger Contribution for Free Nutritious Meal Program
1 hari lalu
ID Food currently supplies raw materials to a number of public kitchens for the free nutritious meal program. It hopes to expand the service.
First 100 Days of Prabowo's Administration, Celios Suggests Cabinet Reshuffle
2 hari lalu
In the first 100 days of President Prabowo Subianto's administration, the performance of several ministers has been highlighted.
Palace Says Future Funding by SOEs Possible for Free Nutritious Meal Program
2 hari lalu
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Spokesperson Philips J. Vermonte said SOEs could participate in funding the free nutritious meal program
