BGN Removes 76 Schools in Java from Free Nutritious Meal Programme, More Likely to Follow

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) is continuing its efforts to review or refocus the beneficiaries of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme. One measure taken is halting the distribution of MBG to schools considered self-sufficient.

BGN Deputy Head Agustina Arumsari stated that as of Thursday (18/6/2026), the agency had removed 76 schools in Java from the MBG recipient list. She noted this figure is likely to increase as the refocusing of beneficiaries remains ongoing.

“As of today, 76 schools in Java with a total of 39,352 student beneficiaries will be streamlined. We will refocus the budget originally allocated for them towards the MBG programme for children who require nutritional intervention,” she said during a press conference at the BGN Office on Thursday.

She revealed the decision was made because the 76 schools were deemed capable of independently meeting their students’ nutritional needs. Consequently, BGN no longer needs to distribute MBG to these schools.

Arumsari stated that BGN will redirect MBG distribution from these schools to other institutions, including those in the 3T regions (frontier, outermost, and disadvantaged areas). Additionally, the agency will prioritise the distribution of MBG to groups of pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers.

“Ladies and gentlemen, these figures will continue to be updated. As I mentioned earlier, these numbers are provisional as of today. We are still working to improve data quality, because data is crucial as the basis for our policymaking on refocusing beneficiaries,” she said.