Hundreds Protest, Demand Continuation of Free Nutritious Meals Programme in 3T Regions

Hundreds of protesters gathered on Jalan Medan Merdeka Selatan, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday (8/7/2026) to demand the continuation of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme.

The Chairman of the Indonesian Food Nutrition Association for 3T Regions (APGI 3T), Herwil Junaidi Harefa, stated that one of the primary demands of the protest is for the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) to immediately commence operations of the nutrition fulfilment service units (SPPG) in 3T regions. This is because thousands of MBG kitchens in these remote areas have yet to become operational.

“Until now, our SPPG kitchens have been abandoned. We are even the ones guarding them, paying for the internet, and paying for the electricity,” he said during the protest on Wednesday afternoon.

He noted that there are currently 6,000 MBG kitchens established in 3T regions. Out of those thousands of kitchens, 645 have already entered into cooperation agreements (PKS) with the BGN.

Furthermore, all facilities and infrastructure in hundreds of these kitchens are already available. However, to date, these kitchens have not yet begun operations.

“We should not have to suffer the consequences of previous administrations whose true intentions remain unclear. These underdeveloped regions should be prioritised, especially since we have already accumulated significant debt,” he added.

Herwil revealed that these kitchens were not constructed using the State Budget (APBN), but rather through investor funds. He noted that not all investors are using personal funds to build these facilities.