MBG Kitchen Association Complains to DPR: We Get Blamed When Problems Arise

Before legislators of Commission IX of the DPR, the Association of National Nutrition Agency Partners and the Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit Investor Forum voiced their grievances regarding the burden of problems in the free nutritious meal (MBG) project, which are often placed squarely on the partners. Chairman of the BGN Partner Association, Syawaludin Aweng, stated that there is injustice in the partnership governance. For instance, in the MBG project, partners are the main providers of all facilities, yet when problems arise, the partners are the ones who must bear the responsibility. ‘BGN only has the programme; we provide all the facilities. But when there is a problem, we are the ones blamed,’ Syawaludin said during a public hearing with Commission IX of the DPR on Tuesday, 14 July 2026. He continued that in another context, for example, if a problem is caused by the kitchen manager or SPPG, the impact will be borne by the partner. In this case, the partner only provides the facilities. Syawaludin also highlighted a statement by President Prabowo Subianto who reportedly called BGN partners thieves. He believes the statement was made because the president received incorrect information from the field. ‘We came here to ask for justice. Please, let the partnership process be placed on an equal footing,’ he said. On the same occasion, Deputy Chairman of Commission IX DPR, Charles Honoris, expressed concern over the conditions experienced by BGN partners and investors who have supported the implementation of the MBG project. He stressed that partners should not be made the sole party to blame when problems occur, as incidents in the MBG project stem from poor governance. ‘I am committed that you, ladies and gentlemen, must not be disadvantaged; the state must find a solution,’ said the PDIP politician. Therefore, he continued, Commission IX DPR is pushing for a comprehensive evaluation of the governance of this flagship programme under Prabowo Subianto’s administration so that it aligns with its goal of improving children’s nutritional quality. ‘The people must not be disadvantaged, but this programme also cannot be forced to run with a design like this,’ Charles said.