BGN Denies Appointing Intermediaries for MBG Kitchen Locations

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has stated that it has never appointed intermediaries or brokers for determining the locations of free nutrition meal kitchens (MBG kitchens). Deputy Head of BGN Sony Sonjaya made this clarification in response to cases of fraud and embezzlement perpetrated under the guise of BGN in the construction of nutrition service units (SPPG). According to Sony, reports from the public revealed suspected fraud where perpetrators promised SPPG kitchen construction, facility development, and operational readiness in exchange for money from victims. Sony stated that the process is unofficial and not from BGN. ‘All legitimate SPPG application and verification processes have never involved any fees charged by the National Nutrition Agency,’ he said in a written statement on Monday, 1 June 2026. BGN has repeatedly urged the public since the inception of MBG not to trust anyone claiming to expedite approval or guarantee SPPG operations for a fee. ‘BGN has never appointed intermediaries, brokers, or any party that can guarantee an individual obtaining an SPPG location by paying money. All processes are conducted transparently in accordance with applicable regulations,’ Sony said. Sony added that several victims approached BGN after promised projects did not materialise and money paid was not returned. Following verification, BGN advised victims to pursue legal action through law enforcement authorities. Fraud allegations involving MBG kitchens are suspected to have occurred in East Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. East Lombok Police Chief Assistant Commissioner I Komang Sarjana explained that the SPPG-related fraud case has entered the investigation stage. According to reports, victims suffered losses of Rp950 million, allegedly paid to the suspect for constructing an MBG kitchen in Masbagik Selatan, East Lombok. Investigators issued an investigation warrant on 21 May 2026 and formally named a suspect with the initials S on 29 May 2026. Police stated that the legal proceedings will continue to uncover all facts and involved parties.