The Free Nutritious Meal Program (Program Makan Bergizi Gratis/MBG) is a strategic government policy aimed at improving community nutritional status while strengthening public service delivery, particularly in the social and education sectors. This study aims to analyze the governance model and evaluate the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal Program through the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (Satuan Pelayanan Pemenuhan Gizi/SPPG) in Ponorogo Regency. This research employs a qualitative approach with a descriptive-evaluative research design. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation. Informants were selected using purposive sampling, involving SPPG administrators, relevant local government agencies, and school representatives as program beneficiaries. Data validity was ensured through source and technique triangulation, while data analysis was conducted using data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing.
The findings indicate that the governance model of the Free Nutritious Meal Program in Ponorogo Regency tends to be hierarchical and administrative, with strong central government dominance. Although the program has been implemented in accordance with established technical guidelines, its effectiveness has not been fully optimized due to limitations in human resources, infrastructure, and inter-agency coordination. From a good governance perspective, formal accountability principles have been fulfilled; however, the principles of participation, responsiveness, effectiveness, and coordination still require significant improvement. This study concludes that strengthening internal governance within the SPPG, particularly in terms of human resource capacity, coordination mechanisms, and performance-based supervision, is essential to enhancing public service quality and ensuring the sustainability and long-term impact of the Free Nutritious Meal Program in Ponorogo Regency.
Keywords: Free Nutritious Meal Program, Governance, Public Service, SPPG, Ponorogo Regency.