Indonesia’s National Nutrition Agency (BGN) currently holds Rp1.6 trillion in unpaid budget arrears to third-party vendors for the 2025 Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) project. According to BGN Deputy Head Agustina Arumsari, the agency’s budget allocation is blocked by the state treasurer, preventing payment for services and construction projects completed during the budget year. Status of … Read more
National Nutrition Agency Clarifies Stance on Formula Milk in Free Nutritious Meal Program The Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Dadan Hindayana, has publicly addressed concerns regarding the inclusion of formula milk within the government’s free nutritious meal (MBG) program. The clarification follows an open letter issued by the Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI) on … Read more
Pediatricians Challenge Formula Distribution in Indonesia’s Free Nutritious Meal Program The Indonesian Pediatric Association (IDAI) has formally intervened in the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program, issuing an open letter to the head of the National Nutrition Body (BGN), Dadan Hindayana, and other institutional leaders. The letter, authored by members of the IDAI … Read more
The Indonesian government plans to inaugurate a National Command Center to oversee the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) in mid-May 2026. This initiative aims to streamline the implementation of the program across the country, according to Nani Hendiarti, Deputy of Coordination for Accessibility and Food Security of the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment. … Read more
Indonesia’s National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has allocated Rp5.7 billion, approximately US$350,000, to secure Zoom meeting licenses from April to December 2026. The agency states these funds are essential for the large-scale coordination required to implement the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program. Coordinating a National Priority BGN head Dadan Hindayana explained that the budget supports coordination … Read more
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 … Read more
Indonesia’s Ministry of Finance reported on February 21, 2026, that Rp36.6 trillion – 10.9 percent – of the Rp335 trillion budget allocated to the free nutritious meal (MBG) program has been realized. Expansion of the Program The number of individuals benefiting from the MBG program continues to grow. As of February 23, 2026, 60.24 million … Read more
The National Nutrition Agency has barred ultra-processed food (UPF) from the free nutritious meal (MBG) program. This decision, outlined in Circular Letter No. 3 of 2026, applies to the Ramadan, Eid, and Chinese New Year’s MBG implementation. New Guidelines for Nutritious Meals During Ramadan, beneficiaries of the MBG program will receive healthy food packages specifically … Read more
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto announced plans to extend central government programs, including a free nutritious meal initiative, to all regions of Papua. The announcement came during a briefing with six governors and 42 regents from across Papua on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. Expanding Nutritional Support The free nutritious meal program (MBG) is intended to serve … Read more
Mass Food Poisoning Linked to Prabowo’s Meal Program: A Growing Concern? A recent incident in Gemolong District, Sragen Regency, Central Java, involving students and teachers from SDN 4 Gemolong and SMPN 3 Gemolong, has reignited concerns surrounding President Prabowo Subianto’s Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program. Initial reports suggest that over 190 individuals exhibited symptoms of … Read more