BGN Chief: Free Nutritious Meal Programme is President Prabowo's Political Tender

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – The head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Sudaryono, has stated that he will focus on improving the governance of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme. He assured the public that the agency will accept any criticism or input regarding how the programme is being run.

According to Sudaryono, improvements in governance cannot be achieved overnight. For that reason, input from the wider public on the implementation of the MBG programme is essential.

“Of course we — I in particular, together with the entire team — are ready to listen to input, ready to hear each and every piece of information from anyone, from anyone at all, including from members of the media,” he said at the BGN building on Wednesday (22/7/2026).

He also urged the public not to hesitate to report any Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG) that fails to meet standards. Every report received will serve as material for the BGN to carry out investigations in the field.

Nevertheless, Sudaryono will not respond to parties who merely wish to see the MBG programme halted under the guise of criticism, as he lacks the authority to fulfil such requests.

“If, for instance, someone in the name of criticism then makes that criticism identical with, say, ‘stop or dissolve MBG, dissolve BGN’ — I think that is not criticism, and stopping or dissolving the BGN is not within our remit,” he said.

The Gerindra Party politician stressed that the MBG programme is President Prabowo Subianto’s political pledge. In other words, the programme cannot simply be halted, as it represents a campaign promise that must be honoured.

“Free Nutritious Meals is President Prabowo’s political pledge, planned well in advance and communicated during the campaign, and he was then elected President,” he said.

For that reason, Sudaryono said his side will focus more on improving the governance of the MBG programme rather than responding to those who want it stopped. Moreover, the programme aims to provide good and safe nutrition for children, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and the elderly. Beyond that, the MBG programme is also said to deliver economic benefits, particularly in the regions.

“This is a programme from the people, and it will be given back to the people,” he said.