BGN Supported for Internal Evaluation, Partner Coalition to Recommend Governance Improvements
The Alliance of Free Nutritious Meal Kitchen Partners (GAMDI) held a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) titled ‘Evaluation of BGN Circular Letter No. 12 of 2026’. GAMDI is currently assessing the impact felt by kitchen partners following the government’s policy to moratorium new Nutrition Service and Fulfilment Units (SPPG).
GAMDI Chairman, Riyad, stated that the organisation is not yet able to disclose the total losses experienced by partners, as they are awaiting data from prospective regional managers who operate SPPGs or Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) kitchens.
“We are requesting each verified and processing kitchen to calculate the impacts and losses. However, we are still awaiting further policy decisions from the BGN,” said Riyad, as quoted on Wednesday, 1 July 2026.
Riyad noted that GAMDI has chosen to allow the BGN space to complete its internal evaluation before submitting various inputs. The organisation does not wish to disrupt the ongoing evaluation process.
“We are giving the BGN the opportunity to conduct an internal evaluation. In the meantime, we are preparing various recommendations as input to comprehensively improve the governance system moving forward,” he said.
Riyad explained that the recommendations prepared by GAMDI cover various aspects, ranging from institutional governance and kitchen operational systems to the strengthening of supply chains to ensure the MBG programme becomes increasingly effective and sustainable.
Regarding the possibility of changing the MBG implementation scheme to focus more on school canteens, Riyad believes such a move would be difficult to implement entirely.
He noted that thousands of MBG kitchens are already operational in various regions. Therefore, a total system overhaul could potentially create new problems.
“If everything is shifted to school canteens, I believe it is impossible. The number of kitchens already in operation is very large. If changed entirely, it will create new issues, especially since canteen readiness is not yet uniform, particularly regarding cleanliness and hygiene standards,” he explained.
On the same occasion, Vice Rector of Pelita Harapan University, Jerry Sambuaga, assessed that the government’s evaluation is a proper step to ensure the MBG programme runs more effectively. According to Jerry, President Prabowo Subianto has demonstrated a great commitment to the success of his flagship programme.