AMMSI Supports BGN's Decision to Halt Free Nutritious Meals During School Holidays
The Association of Free Nutritious Meal Partners of Indonesia (AMMSI) has defended the National Nutrition Agency’s (BGN) decision to temporarily halt the operations of Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG) during the school holiday period. Amidst a wave of protests from some partners, the organisation considers the policy essential to curb budget waste and improve the governance of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme. The support was conveyed through a written statement on Wednesday, 17 June 2026, following the BGN’s issuance of Circular Letter Number 12 of 2026 concerning the adjustment of SPPG operations during holiday periods for the 2026 fiscal year.
According to AMMSI, the temporary suspension of MBG kitchen operations during school holidays represents a rational measure of state expenditure control. The policy is also seen as providing operational certainty for SPPGs, ensuring the programme runs in a more orderly manner and according to service needs. “Every rupiah allocated for the Free Nutritious Meal programme must be used effectively, transparently, and accountably,” the statement read.
Beyond supporting the BGN’s policy, AMMSI also highlighted a more pressing issue: the emergence of new kitchens operating outside official mechanisms. The association revealed the existence of a practice involving the buying and selling of kitchen location points, even though the registration portal has long been closed. AMMSI assessed that such practices could disrupt programme planning. Kitchens forced to operate in areas that have exceeded their quota are not only violating regulations but also risk causing state budget wastage. “We firmly reject kitchens that appear outside the official mechanism, especially those arising from the buying and selling of points. If forced to operate, there will be a surplus of kitchens that burdens the state’s finances,” AMMSI stated.
Consequently, AMMSI urged the BGN, along with the government’s internal oversight apparatus and relevant stakeholders, to immediately crack down on these illegal kitchens. This step is considered crucial to prevent irregularities while maintaining the credibility of the national strategic programme. “Budget efficiency must go hand in hand with strong oversight. There must be no room for illegal practices in the implementation of the programme,” they said. Tempo has requested a response from the BGN regarding AMMSI’s statement, including the allegations of kitchens operating outside the official mechanism and exceeding quotas, but no answer had been received by the time this article was written.
AMMSI declared it would continue to oversee the implementation of MBG as part of its support for President Prabowo Subianto’s priority programme. They stressed that the programme’s success is determined not only by the size of the budget but also by governance discipline and the integrity of field implementers. Previously, the Indonesian Nutritious Meal Entrepreneurs Association (GAPEMBI) criticised the policy, arguing that the suspension would severely impact kitchen operations and the food supply chain supporting the programme. GAPEMBI Chairman Alven Stony stated that the organisation rejected the BGN Circular Letter, claiming it contradicted the technical guidelines and cooperation agreements previously established. He added that the halt during school holidays threatens the livelihoods of volunteers involved in kitchen operations, as they would be unable to work and receive honorariums during the break.