Komnas HAM Highlights Problems in the Implementation of Free Nutritious Meals Programme
JAKARTA — Indonesia’s National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) has found that significant problems remain in the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme, including disparities in access and in the accurate targeting of beneficiaries.
Komnas HAM said beneficiary targeting was not yet fully effective, particularly in reaching poor communities and those most in need. It attributed this partly to inaccurate mapping of SPPG food service units and beneficiary schools, which has led to uneven numbers of beneficiaries served by each SPPG.
“The approach to beneficiaries needs to take into account the characteristics and vulnerability of children, under-fives, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers,” Komnas HAM commissioner Pramono Ubaid said on Thursday (8 October 2026).
Komnas HAM also said the programme lacked transparency, including over the nutritional content of its menus.
“Information about menus, nutritional content, production and distribution times, and food safety is not always adequately available to beneficiaries and parents,” Pramono said.
The commission also found deviations from nutritional standards and the use of ultra-processed foods. It criticised misconceptions about stunting being used as a basis for implementing the MBG programme, including a tendency to identify short children as stunted without adequate diagnoses or health data. Preventing stunting, it said, cannot rely solely on providing food and requires a comprehensive approach.
“The MBG programme is still focused on the number of beneficiaries, without paying sufficient attention to the nutritional quality of meals or beneficiaries’ nutritional needs,” Pramono said.
The problem is compounded by the inadequate application of nutritional standards based on the Recommended Dietary Allowance (AKG), which is intended to ensure each beneficiary receives nutrition suited to their needs. Instead, the programme has included unhealthy food, Komnas HAM said.
“Concerns have been raised about the use of ultra-processed foods (UPF), dairy products, biscuits, and foods high in sugar and sodium, which do not meet nutritional standards for children,” Pramono said.
Komnas HAM also highlighted the vulnerable employment arrangements of SPPG staff. The employment status of some workers remains unclear, with some still classified as “volunteers”.
“This lack of clarity creates uncertainty over employment rights, social security, and who is responsible for workers,” Pramono said.
The commission cited a workplace accident involving a lead chef at the SPPG in Pangkalan Susu, which exposed the absence of an employment contract, irregular working hours, and a lack of health and employment insurance. Although the incident was classified as a workplace accident, it remained unclear which party was responsible for fulfilling the victim’s rights. Komnas HAM urged improvements to working arrangements at SPPG units to strengthen the programme’s implementation.
“Work patterns that begin at around 2am to meet an 8am distribution deadline also show the need to pay attention to SPPG staff working hours and rest periods,” Pramono said.