April 25, 2025 | 05:10 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) is considering the option to decentralize food processing in the free nutritious meal (MBG) program following a mass food poisoning case in Cianjur Regency. Head of BGN, Dadan Hindayana, considered inviting school cafeterias and their merchants to be part of a long-term solution.
"We will combine, especially for schools with a sufficient number of students," Dadan told Tempo on Friday, April 25, 2025.
He mentioned that this approach has actually started to be implemented in several schools, such as BOSOWA Bina Insani. In this model, the kitchen is no longer centralized in the food service unit (SPPG) but is operated independently by the schools.
The goal, he said, is to shorten the distribution time and maintain food quality when consumed. The decentralized kitchen model also takes into account the suggestions of several nutrition experts.
In addition to shortening the food distribution chain, school kitchens managed directly by cafeterias can anticipate the risk of food contamination or damage due to long storage.
The agency also openly responded to another recommendation by experts to provide heating containers to maintain food temperatures. "We will evaluate and adjust to the conditions of schools on the ground," Dadan said.
Nutrition expert Tan Shot Yen criticized the kitchen management system in the free nutritious program, which she deemed lacking public participation. She suggested the food management be done by school cafeterias through their merchants, who are already familiar with the students’ preferences, rather than by external institutions or foundations.
"Why not invite the cafeteria ladies? They are used to cooking for children, know what they like. For example, if kids like meatballs, healthier ones can be made using mackerel," Tan said when contacted on Friday, April 25, 2025.
Tan reckoned that using centralized or external public kitchens prolonged the food distribution chain, thereby risking food safety. She also emphasized the importance of collaboration with the health department, especially the environmental health unit from community health centers, for periodic supervision of food cleanliness and quality.
"Programs such as this call for monitoring, evaluation, and supervision," she said.
According to Tan, involving the community not only shortens the food distribution chain but is also in line with the goal of a circular economy. "They say they want to improve the circular economy, and who owns the MSMEs? It's the cafeteria ladies," she said.
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