First Phase Evaluation of Free Nutritious Meal Programme
The reshuffle of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) leadership by President Prabowo Subianto marks a new phase in the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme, a priority government initiative designed as both a human resource development instrument and a regional economic driver.
The changes extend beyond the head of the BGN; the two deputy positions have also been restructured. Dadan Hindayana, the former head of the Bulging BGN, has been replaced by Nanik Sudaryati Deyang. Meanwhile, the previous deputies, Lodewyk Pusung and Sony Sanjaya, have been succeeded by Agustina Arumsari and Major General TNI Trenggono.
This high-level organisational change follows a period of monitoring and evaluation spanning approximately eighteen months since the MBG programme’s inception. This timeframe was deemed sufficient to map achievements, obstacles, and various issues arising during field implementation.
The MBG programme is large-scale, targeting school students, toddlers, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers. Due to the vast number of beneficiaries, the programme’s success relies heavily on the organisation’s ability to maintain operational standards, quality supervision, distribution governance, and cross-regional coordination.
Government evaluations identified several key areas necessitating the leadership overhaul, specifically regarding discipline in following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), organisational governance, and consistency in maintaining food quality according to established standards.
Quality remains the most critical aspect of the MBG programme. The performance of this high-budget initiative is measured not merely by the volume of food distributed, but by the substance of the programme itself: food safety, nutritional content, production cleanliness, and distribution accuracy. Any failure in these areas could directly impact the health of beneficiaries and erode public trust in the programme.
Signs of rigorous evaluation were evident even before the announcement of the leadership reshuffle. The most tangible indicator was the temporary suspension of thousands of Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG), which serve as the programme’s operational kitchens.
According to BGN data as of 29 May 2026, 8,182 SPPG units have faced suspension since the MBG programme launched in January 2025. Of these, 5,659 units have resumed operations after meeting required standards, while 2,213 units remain suspended due to unresolved technical or managerial improvements. These figures highlight both the significant scale of government oversight and the ongoing challenges in standardising MBG kitchens across various regions.