Legislator Backs Ban on Subsidised Goods for Free Meals, Demands Quality Assurance

A member of the House of Representatives (DPR) Commission IX has voiced support for the National Nutrition Agency’s (BGN) directive barring Nutrition Service Units (SPPG) from using subsidised goods such as MinyaKita cooking oil, 3 kg LPG canisters, and SPHP rice in the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme. The legislator from the National Mandate Party (PAN), Ashabul Kahfi, emphasised that the policy must not lead to a reduction in meal quality.

“I see this BGN policy as a step in the right direction and it deserves support. SPPG should not use MinyaKita, 3 kg LPG, or SPHP rice because these commodities are intended to maintain the purchasing power of the public, particularly low-income groups,” Ashabul Kahfi told reporters on Wednesday (29/7/2026).

He argued that the MBG programme, which already has a dedicated government budget allocation, should not absorb subsidised goods or price-stabilised commodities. He noted that this is crucial to prevent double subsidies. “The MBG programme, whose budget has been provided by the government, must not end up absorbing subsidised goods or price-stabilised commodities. The food and energy needs for MBG kitchens should already be factored into the SPPG’s operational costs,” he stated.

However, Ashabul assessed that the ban must be accompanied by clear technical guidelines. He urged the BGN to specify the types of prohibited goods, oversight mechanisms, and sanctions for SPPGs that violate the rules. “The BGN needs to immediately create clear technical guidelines, covering the types of prohibited goods, monitoring mechanisms, a transition period, and sanctions for SPPGs that breach the rules, so that implementation is uniform across all regions,” he said.

Furthermore, he requested that the BGN ensure the policy does not increase production costs, particularly warning against a decline in food quality or portion sizes. “Price differences between regions must also be considered. The price of food ingredients in Java is certainly different from Sulawesi, Maluku, Papua, or other archipelagic areas. Therefore, cost standards must be realistic and adapted to local conditions,” he explained.

“We also encourage SPPGs to source more local ingredients from farmers, fishers, livestock breeders, cooperatives, and local MSMEs. However, the procurement process must be transparent, quality must be guaranteed, and prices must remain fair,” he added.

Ashabul also responded to the BGN’s plan to create a system allowing parents to monitor the implementation of the MBG programme. He assessed the move as positive because it could increase transparency. “But the system should not just display a photo of the menu. It must include information on food composition, nutritional values, allergens, production and distribution times, kitchen feasibility status, and an easy-to-use complaint channel,” he said.

He added that public complaints must be followed up within a clear deadline. He reminded that if parents report an issue, it must be addressed. “Furthermore, the protection of children’s personal data must be a priority. The digital system must not excessively expose a child’s identity, location, or health data,” he said.

Previously, BGN Head Sudaryono had warned all SPPG managers, prohibiting MBG kitchens from using subsidised goods such as MinyaKita, 3 kg LPG canisters, and SPHP rice. “It is not allowed. You cannot cook for MBG using MinyaKita, you cannot use 3 kg gas canisters, and you cannot use our SPHP rice. It is not allowed,” Sudaryono said during a press conference at the BGN office in Central Jakarta on Monday (27/7).