Gapembi Clarifies Objection to MBG Programme Suspension During School Holidays

The Central Executive Board of the Indonesian Food Entrepreneurs Association (Gapembi) has clarified its stance regarding Circular Letter Number 12 of 2026 on the temporary suspension of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme during school holidays, stating it is not a rejection of the operational break itself. Gapembi Chairman Alven Stony said the objection was more about the decision-making process, which was deemed to lack adequate communication and consultation with the implementing partners directly affected on the ground. “We need to set the record straight to avoid any misunderstanding in the community,” he said in a statement in Jakarta on Saturday (20/6/2026). He stressed that the concern lies with the unilateral manner in which the decision was made, without prior communication with the partners who have been running the programme in the field. According to Alven, the MBG partners have been fully committed from the outset to supporting the success of this strategic national programme. Therefore, any policy change affecting operations, human resources, supply chains, and financing should be discussed beforehand so it can be implemented in an orderly manner without creating new problems. He explained that Gapembi’s stance, conveyed during a press conference in Jakarta on Thursday (18/6/2026), refers to the seventh point of the Asta Aspirasi Mitra BGN, which rejects Circular Letter Number 12 of 2026 dated 17 June 2026 because it is considered to contradict several regulations that have previously served as the programme’s reference. “The issue is not simply about whether the kitchens are on holiday or not,” he said.