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Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka brought five university students on a working visit to Desa Wolomoni, Ende, Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT), on Thursday (18/6/2026), to observe the implementation of the Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG) program. The visit, which included stops at SMPN 1 Ndona and SDN Wolomoni, aimed to provide students from UI, UPH, Unsoed, Universitas Sanata Darma, and ISBI with direct exposure to regional conditions, following public protests against the program.
Why the Vice President Included Students
Gibran stated that he invited the student representatives to visit areas far from Jakarta to see the realities of the MBG program firsthand. This move follows recent public demonstrations where some students demanded the program be halted. By bringing these representatives to NTT, the Vice President sought to facilitate a direct discussion regarding the program’s necessity in 3T (frontier, outermost, and underdeveloped) regions.
Did You Know? The student delegation invited by the Vice President represents five distinct institutions, including the University of Indonesia (UI), Pelita Harapan University (UPH), Jenderal Soedirman University (Unsoed), Sanata Dharma University, and the Indonesian Institute of the Arts (ISBI).
Addressing Governance and Corruption Concerns
The administration is currently working to restructure the management of the MBG program following the arrest of the former head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Dadan Hindayana, along with deputies Sony Sanjaya and Lodewyk Pusung, on corruption charges. Gibran acknowledged the program’s existing shortcomings and emphasized the need for improved, efficient governance.
Expert Insight: The intersection of high-profile corruption investigations within the National Nutrition Agency and the continued push for program expansion highlights a significant management challenge. The administration’s focus on “cleaning up” procurement practices suggests that future program viability may depend on its ability to demonstrate transparent, corruption-free supply chain management to both critics and the public.
What May Happen Next
Following the visit to SDN Wolomoni, the government is likely to accelerate the establishment of kitchen facilities to initiate the feeding program in the village. As the administration continues to refine its oversight mechanisms, it is expected that further audits or procedural adjustments will be implemented to prevent future procurement irregularities. The program’s success in these remote areas will likely be measured by how quickly the government can stabilize its internal governance while meeting the nutritional needs of local students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were students brought to Ende?
Gibran stated he brought the students to show them the conditions in remote areas and to respond to those who previously protested against the MBG program.
What is the current status of the National Nutrition Agency leadership?
The former head of the agency, Dadan Hindayana, and two deputies, Sony Sanjaya and Lodewyk Pusung, are currently facing corruption charges.
Will the MBG program continue despite the corruption investigation?
Yes, Gibran emphasized that he believes the program is essential, particularly for 3T regions, and must be continued with improved governance.
How do you believe the government should balance the need for rapid implementation of social programs with the necessity of strict anti-corruption oversight?
