Head of National Nutrition Agency Rejects Claims That Free Nutritious Meal Programme Drains Budget

The Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Sudaryono, admitted to feeling frustrated by various social media comments discrediting the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme. Many netizens have suggested that this priority programme of President Prabowo Subianto is draining the state budget.

“I feel quite annoyed seeing comments on social media, as if the MBG is exhausting the state budget. It is as if there is always a deficiency here or there,” he stated during a press conference at the BGN Building on Friday (31/07/2026).

According to him, the MBG programme currently being implemented by the government does not inherently cause other development programmes to cease. On the contrary, development remains a primary focus of President Prabowo’s administration.

Sudaryono revealed that certain parties are currently accusing the MBG programme of causing fertiliser shortages. However, he claimed that the government continues to increase fertiliser volumes, including providing discounts, even as the MBG programme proceeds.

Furthermore, he pointed out that many irrigation networks have been experiencing damage for some time, a condition that existed long before the MBG programme was introduced. “Now with the MBG, [people claim] funds are being taken for MBG, but there is irrigation revitalisation worth 12 trillion, 14 trillion, and 14 trillion IDR that will be addressed over the next five years,” said Sudaryono.

The former Deputy Minister of Agriculture also highlighted the issue of damaged schools being linked to the MBG programme. He noted that cases of dilapidated schools were prevalent well before the programme’s inception.

“Before there was MBG, there were schools that were damaged or had holes. It is not as if schools suddenly became damaged because President Prabowo became president and introduced MBG. Where were they before?” he remarked. He added that if such logic were applied, all damaged schools should have been repaired previously, ensuring no schools would be in disrepair today.