Hasto Demands BGN Reply on Alleged PDIP Cadre Involvement in Free Meals Programme

PDI Perjuangan (PDIP) Secretary-General Hasto Kristiyanto has revealed that a letter sent by his party to the National Nutrition Body (BGN) has yet to receive a reply. The letter requested data regarding PDIP cadres allegedly involved in the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme or its Nutritional Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG). PDIP sent the letter in response to a statement by BGN Head Nanik S. Deyang, who suggested that all political parties were involved in the procurement and management of the SPPG. “Because we have prohibited our members and cadres from engaging in the programme, when the question arose about PDIP’s stance, we sent a letter to the BGN. Until now, we have not received an answer; we will wait,” Hasto said in Surabaya on Monday (20/7), on the sidelines of attending a doctoral dissertation examination. “If there is no reply, we will send another letter,” he added. Hasto stated that the letter, numbered 553/EX/DPP/VI/2026 and dated 22 June 2026, was signed by himself and the party’s Honorary Affairs Chair, Komarudin Watubun. The letter follows an internal party instruction issued on 24 February, which forbids cadres in the executive, legislative, and party structures from exploiting the MBG programme for financial gain. “We sent the letter with the Honorary Affairs division to all internal party ranks so that a programme designed with a good mission for the people is not misused, including by those in power, or for rent-seeking that ultimately sacrifices the people,” Hasto explained. Regarding potential sanctions for cadres found to be involved, Hasto said the party would immediately summon the individuals concerned for clarification upon receiving a report. He noted that the form of sanction would depend on the nature of the violation. “Once there is a report, we will immediately invite them for clarification. The sanction depends on the type of violation, because this is a programme for the people. We must not commercialise a programme intended for the people,” he said. Hasto added that the party is still waiting for complete data on which PDIP cadres are allegedly involved in managing the SPPG, as implied by the BGN official’s statement. He also highlighted alternative nutrition models developed by PDIP cadres in regions such as Surabaya, Bantul, and Banyuwangi, which he claimed were established long before the MBG programme. Hasto stressed that the party’s criticism was not directed at the idea of the MBG programme itself, but at its top-down implementation approach.