Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan confirmed that the number of nutrition service units (SPPG) for the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program has surged by over 13,000 units, citing concerns over alleged illicit practices. The expansion, which spans both remote 3T regions and non-3T areas, has reportedly led to a monthly budget excess of Rp 1 trillion, prompting calls for an immediate overhaul of the system by the National Nutrition Agency (BGN).
Discrepancies in Service Unit Data
According to Zulkifli Hasan, the actual number of kitchen sites significantly exceeds original projections. In regions outside the 3T (underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost) areas, the government initially planned for 21,000 sites. Recent data indicates the current total has reached 27,877, a surplus of 6,877 units. The minister attributed this growth to cases of alleged “point trading” or the unauthorized buying and selling of service locations.
The situation is mirrored in the 3T regions, where the disparity is even more pronounced. Officials had planned for 2,000 units, but findings revealed 8,617 sites—an increase of 6,617. Zulkifli noted that 6,138 of these sites in the 3T regions have already received official decrees from the BGN.
The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has already issued formal decrees for 6,138 of the 8,617 nutrition service units currently operating in the 3T regions, according to data presented by Zulkifli Hasan on June 11, 2026.
Financial Implications and Future Oversight
Zulkifli Hasan warned that the proliferation of these sites is causing significant financial strain. Based on an estimated daily cost of Rp 6 million per site, the additional 6,877 units in non-3T areas alone contribute to a monthly budget excess of Rp 1 trillion. If left unaddressed, the annual cost of this expansion could reach Rp 12 trillion.
The ministry has directed the BGN to prioritize a systematic restructuring of these service points to curb waste. Future actions likely involve a strict audit of the existing sites and the potential revocation of unauthorized units. Analysts may expect the BGN to centralize control over the approval of new kitchens to prevent further discrepancies in the program’s rollout.
The scale of the discrepancy—moving from a planned 23,000 total sites to over 36,000 in reality—suggests a breakdown in administrative oversight. The direct correlation between these “extra” sites and a multi-trillion rupiah budget burden underscores the necessity for the BGN to harmonize its field data with its formal decree process to maintain fiscal sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cause of the budget surplus?
According to Zulkifli Hasan, the monthly surplus of Rp 1 trillion is caused by the addition of 6,877 unauthorized service sites in non-3T regions, each estimated to cost Rp 6 million daily.
How many sites were originally planned versus current findings?
The government planned for 21,000 sites in non-3T areas and 2,000 in 3T regions. Current data shows 27,877 sites in non-3T areas and 8,617 in 3T regions.
What action is being taken to fix the issue?
Zulkifli Hasan has ordered the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) to conduct a thorough reorganization and correction of the service units to address the identified “point trading” and financial waste.
How do you believe the government should verify the legitimacy of these nutrition sites to ensure public funds are spent effectively?
