Indonesia’s National Nutrition Body (BGN) is facing significant public scrutiny over its procurement of goods and services. Critics argue that recent spending is wasteful and contradicts the fundamental vision of the free nutritious meal program, known as MBG.
Controversy Over Operational Spending
At the center of the debate is the procurement of tens of thousands of electric motorcycles. BGN Head Dadan Hindayana, an IPB University Professor, clarified that these vehicles are intended to support the operations of nutrition fulfillment service units (SPPG), often referred to as MBG kitchens.
Whereas some reports claimed 70,000 motorcycles were purchased, Hindayana denied this figure. He stated that 21,801 units have been procured out of an initial 2025 order of 25,000. These motorcycles are currently awaiting distribution and will be recorded as State-Owned Goods (BMN).
Event Management and Infrastructure Costs
Data from the Government Procurement Policy Agency (LKPP) reveals that BGN utilized 31 packages of event organizer (EO) services during the first year of the MBG project. The total expenditure for these services amounted to Rp113.9 billion.
Hindayana explained that these services were a strategic necessity because the institution was still establishing its operational governance and lacked the internal resources to manage large-scale activities independently. One such event, a Fun Run for World Anti-Corruption Day in 2025, was managed by the corporation ‘Kredo Aum’ with a contract value of Rp1.3 billion.
Clarifying Equipment and Education Budgets
BGN has also moved to refute social media claims that the budget for tableware, laptops and socks reached Rp4 trillion. Hindayana described these claims as “totally untrue.”
The agency reported that approximately 5,000 laptops were procured throughout 2025. Tableware was provided for 315 SPPGs with a budget ceiling of Rp215 billion, funded by the State Budget under a Joint Ministerial Decree (SKB).
Regarding the procurement of socks, shoe polish, and shoe brushes, BGN stated these were not handled directly by the agency. Instead, they were managed by the Defense University (Unhan) for the Indonesian Development Enabler Graduates (SPPI) through a self-managed implementation mechanism type II.
LKPP data shows 12 contract packages for shoe polish and brushes totaling Rp1.57 billion, intended for 30,299 SPPIs. This included Rp1.25 billion for shoe polish and Rp272 million for brushes, with PT Gajah Mitra Paragon securing two of these contracts.
Potential Implications
The ongoing scrutiny could lead to increased pressure on BGN to provide more granular transparency regarding its 2025 budget. There is a possibility that future procurements may face stricter oversight to ensure alignment with the MBG program’s core vision.
As the electric motorcycles are distributed, the agency may need to further demonstrate how these assets directly improve the delivery of nutritious meals to avoid further accusations of waste.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many electric motorcycles did BGN actually procure?
BGN Head Dadan Hindayana stated that 21,801 units were procured out of 25,000 units ordered in 2025.
Why did BGN spend Rp113.9 billion on event organizers?
The agency stated that it lacked the internal resources to handle large-scale activities independently while it was still building its system and operational governance during the first year.
Did BGN directly purchase the shoe polish and socks?
No. BGN stated that these items were procured by the Defense University (Unhan) as part of the SPPI education and training, although the costs came from BGN’s budget.
Do you believe that high initial operational costs are a necessary trade-off for the rapid establishment of a national nutrition program?
