Tax-Funded MBG Kitchens Must Hire Environmental Health Experts

Jakarta, DDTCNews – On Tuesday, October 28, 2025, the government announced that every public kitchen or nutrition service unit (SPPG) must employ an environmental health expert. The directive was issued by Deputy Health Minister Benjamin Paulus Octavianus. Funding comes from tax revenue.

The expert’s role is to guarantee clean water, proper sanitation, and safe food quality for the free nutritious meal (MBG) program, preventing food poisoning incidents. Benny, tasked directly by President Prabowo Subianto, highlighted MBG’s importance in reducing stunting from pregnancy through age two. The initiative is coordinated with the National Nutrition Agency through cross‑sector collaboration.

The 2025 state budget allocates roughly Rp99 trillion to MBG, rising to Rp335 trillion in the 2026 budget, reflecting strong governmental priority. The Ministry of Health will supervise implementation and ensure transparent field reporting. A legal framework will be established by the National Nutrition Agency to formalize the program.