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

Before legislators of the DPR’s Commission IX, the Association of National Nutrition Agency Partners (Asosiasi Mitra BGN) and the Nutrition Service Unit Investors Forum voiced their grievances regarding the burden of problems in the free nutritious meal (MBG) programme, which are frequently placed on the partners.

Syawaludin Aweng, Chairman of the Association of BGN Partners, said there is an injustice in the partnership’s governance. For example, in the MBG programme, partners act as the main providers of all facilities, yet when problems arise, it is the partners who must bear the consequences.

“BGN only has the programme; we provide all the facilities. But when there is a problem, we are the ones blamed,” said Syawaludin during a public hearing with Commission IX of the DPR on Tuesday, 14 July 2026.

He continued that in another context, for instance, if a problem is caused by the kitchen operator, known as SPPG, it is the partners who suffer the consequences. In fact, in such cases the partners merely provide the facilities.

Syawaludin also highlighted President Prabowo Subianto’s statement referring to BGN partners as thieves. He believes the President made such a remark because he had received incorrect information from the field.

“We have come here to ask for justice. Please, let the partnership process be placed on an equal footing,” he said.

On the same occasion, Charles Honoris, Deputy Chairman of Commission IX of the DPR, expressed concern over the conditions experienced by BGN partners and investors who have supported the implementation of the MBG programme thus far.

He stressed that partners must not be treated as parties who can simply be blamed whenever problems occur, because the incidents that have taken place in the MBG programme stem from poor governance.

“I am committed to ensuring that you are not disadvantaged; the state must find a solution,” said the PDIP politician.

He therefore continued that Commission IX of the DPR is pushing for a thorough evaluation of the governance of this flagship programme of the Prabowo Subianto administration so that it aligns with its objective, namely improving children’s nutrition quality.

“The people must not be disadvantaged, but this programme also must not be forced to run with its current design,” said Charles.