BGN Chief: MBG Programme Is Not a Business Venture

JAKARTA — Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, Deputy Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) for Communications and Investigations, stressed that the Free Nutritious Meal Programme (MBG) was not designed as a business programme.

She said that from the outset the programme sprang from President Prabowo Subianto’s concern for society, especially the poor.

‘So Mr Prabowo regards the MBG programme as not business-oriented,’ she told a workshop titled Strengthening Communication Strategy and Public Relations Implementation, as quoted in a press release on Saturday, 7 March 2026.

At the workshop, Prabowo witnessed residents scavenging leftover meals from factory workers to take home and share with their families.

‘Mr Prabowo at that time was very angry when he saw that condition. From there, he resolved that if he were entrusted with the presidency, he would ensure that people, especially children, receive decent meals,’ she said.

However, over time, Nanik admitted that some parties had exploited the opportunity by establishing foundations solely to manage MBG kitchens.

There have even been parties that run many kitchens simultaneously with a business orientation.

‘The MBG target therefore grew very high; foundations proliferated. Many people owned more than one kitchen,’ she said.

The partnership contracts with partners are basically for one year and can be extended based on evaluation.

‘They forget that the contract lasts only one year and can be extended. In other words, we can end the partnership at any time. We will realign MBG to its khitah—the MBG is not a business, but a humanitarian programme, a social investment,’ she added.