Why MBG Partners Are Threatening to Shut Down National Kitchens

A coalition of partner associations under the Presidium of Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) partners has announced plans for a nationwide strike, threatening to lock down kitchen facilities across Indonesia. Syawaludin Aweng, Chairman of the Indonesian National Nutrition Agency Partner Association, stated on Tuesday (14/7/2026) that the strike is a response to policies from the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) that partners describe as unilateral, unfair, and lacking in partnership equality.

Disputes Over Operational Control and Financial Risk

The conflict centers on the division of operational responsibilities within the nutrition program. While partners have invested significant capital into physical kitchen infrastructure based on official decrees, they report being excluded from critical decision-making processes. According to the association, the current operational model limits partners to providing capital and facilities, while the Satuan Pelayanan Program Gizi (SPPG) maintains full control over daily management.

Partners further allege that the BGN imposes harsh penalties, such as the suspension of kitchen operations, without balanced evaluations—even in cases of food safety incidents. This management structure has led to substantial financial losses for partners following unilateral contract terminations, according to the association.

Demands for Regulatory Compliance

Syawaludin emphasized that the tension could be resolved if the BGN adheres to the governance standards established in Perpres Nomor 115 Tahun 2025. The association contends that recent policy shifts have degraded these established regulations, as current agency leadership seeks to distance itself from previous administrative policies.

The Presidium of MBG Partners, which includes the Indonesian National Nutrition Agency Partner Association, the Association of Nutrition Food for Frontier, Outermost, and Underdeveloped Regions (APGI 3T), and the Association of Nutritious Meal Entrepreneurs (Gapembi), has set a deadline. They have stated that if the governance issues remain unresolved by August 17, 2026, they will proceed with the national kitchen lockdown.

Potential Implications for the MBG Program

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are the MBG partners planning to strike?
The partners cite unilateral and unfair policies from the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), claiming they are excluded from decision-making despite having invested significant capital in kitchen infrastructure.

What is the specific role of the partners in the program?
According to the association, partners are restricted to providing capital and physical infrastructure, while the Satuan Pelayanan Program Gizi (SPPG) holds full control over kitchen management.

When will the potential strike occur?
The associations have indicated they will initiate a national kitchen lockdown if the governance issues are not resolved by August 17, 2026.