Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has tightened the standard operating procedure (SOP) for the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program by restricting deliveries to areas just outside school premises.
This policy was implemented following the incident involving an MBG delivery vehicle that hit 20 students and a teacher at Kalibaru 01 Elementary School in Cilincing, North Jakarta.
"We try not to enter the schoolyard and only deliver the meal in front of the gate. Children tend to play around in the yard," BGN Deputy Head of Public Communication and Investigation, Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, said in a statement on Sunday.
Furthermore, Nanik emphasized that MBG delivery drivers must be professional drivers, not part-time workers or individuals from other professions, particularly those who are still learning to drive.
"They must have a driver's license and the ability to drive both automatic and manual vehicles. They must be drivers," she continued.
In addition to being familiar with the terrain and delivery routes, Nanik said MBG delivery drivers must also demonstrate good character, have no history of involvement in drug cases, and be in good physical and mental health.
“I urge partners to remain vigilant. I recommend suspending the related public kitchen indefinitely. If similar incidents occur again, I will recommend the same,” she noted.
She also asked heads of public kitchens to adjust working hours to fully supervise MBG distribution.
Nanik further stressed that heads of public kitchens, along with partners, are responsible for recruiting MBG delivery drivers. Any replacement drivers must also receive approval from the head of the public kitchen.
She emphasized that SOPs for MBG delivery drivers must be strictly followed, as failure to comply could result in responsibility for any fatal incident extending beyond the driver alone.
“Public kitchen operations can be suspended, and their heads may also be dismissed if procedures are ignored,” she said.
