BGN Chief Dismisses Rumours of Free Nutritious Meal Programme Fund Suspension as Hoax

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has emphasised that circulating information claiming the disbursement of funds for the Free Nutritious Meal Programme (MBG) has been stopped is untrue, or a hoax. BGN assures that all MBG services continue to operate according to the established mechanisms.

This clarification was issued following the emergence of information suggesting that a number of Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG) might cease operations if available funds were insufficient. BGN stressed that this information is not an official agency policy and cannot be used as a reference by the programme’s implementing partners.

Head of BGN, Nanik S. Deyang, stated that to date there has been no instruction from BGN to halt the operations of MBG kitchens throughout Indonesia. According to Nanik, the national strategic programme is continuing and still serving its beneficiaries.

“We emphasise that the information stating that BGN has ordered the cessation of MBG kitchen operations is not true. There is no official policy or instruction from BGN regarding operational cessation,” Nanik said in a written statement on Thursday (4/6).

Nanik acknowledged that there are administrative dynamics in the budget disbursement process. However, this does not alter the government’s commitment to running the MBG Programme, which is currently being expanded to reach more beneficiaries in various regions.

BGN also urged all partners, foundations, SPPG managers, suppliers, and the public to always refer to official information delivered through BGN communication channels and not to readily believe information from unverifiable sources.

“If there are obstacles in the field, we ask all partners to coordinate through official channels. Do not use information that does not come from official sources as a basis for operational decision-making,” Nanik asserted.

According to Nanik, coordination between BGN, implementing partners, and other stakeholders continues to ensure that the distribution of MBG to beneficiaries proceeds smoothly, safely, and in accordance with established standards.

“Our current focus is on maintaining the continuity of MBG services and ensuring that all beneficiaries continue to receive their entitlements. For this reason, we invite all parties to jointly fight disinformation that could cause unrest in the community,” Nanik concluded.