IMPLEMENTATION OF INDONESIA'S FREE NUTRITIOUS MEAL (MBG) PROGRAM IN A BORDER REGION: ANALYZING ACTOR POWER, INSTITUTIONS, AND IMPLEMENTER COMPLIANCE

Patricia Yuniarti Lawalata (Universitas Katolik Widya Mandira Kupang)
Kristianus Simon Hale Molan (Universitas Katolik Widya Mandira Kupang)
Karolus Tau Sius (Universitas Katolik Widya Mandira Kupang)

JianE (Jurnal Ilmu Administrasi Negara)
Vol. 8 No. 2 (2026): JianE: Jurnal Ilmu Administrasi Negara

This study analyzes the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals Program (MBG) in East Tasifeto District, East Nusa Tenggara Province, based on three indicators of the implementation context: (1) the power, interests, and strategies of actors; (2) the characteristics of implementing institutions; and (3) the level of compliance and responsiveness of implementers. The findings indicate that MBG implementation is characterized by the concentration of operational authority within the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) under a relatively clear hierarchical structure, while horizontal coordination and inter-institutional linkages among local actors remain limited. This condition indicates an uneven distribution of authority among actors. However, policy implementation is not entirely rigid, as implementers make adjustments to changing conditions and operational constraints while remaining aligned with the provisions of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN).