MBG Programme a Long-Term Investment to Create a Healthy Generation
The Indonesian Association of Nutritious Food Entrepreneurs (Gapembi) has conveyed eight aspirations from National Nutrition Agency (BGN) partners to President Prabowo Subianto regarding the sustainability of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) Programme. The aspirations were delivered following the emergence of discourse on a moratorium on the operations of several Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG) kitchens in various regions.
DPP Gapembi Chairman Alven Stony emphasised that the organisation representing MBG implementing partners rejects any attempt to halt or delay MBG kitchen operations, as it could disrupt a national priority programme that is a flagship initiative of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s administration.
“The MBG programme is not merely a food aid programme, but a strategic national investment to prepare superior human resources towards a Golden Indonesia 2045. Therefore, the sustainability of this programme must be safeguarded together,” Alven said in Jakarta on Thursday (18/6), during the presentation of aspirations attended by DPP board members and Gapembi regional representatives from various provinces.
According to Alven, halting or imposing a moratorium on MBG kitchens would have wide-ranging impacts, not only on beneficiaries but also on thousands of business operators, farmers, livestock breeders, MSMEs, and workers who are now part of the MBG programme ecosystem.
“A moratorium will trigger a chain reaction. Socially, it could sever the livelihoods of communities dependent on the MBG kitchen supply chain. Economically, it could undermine the confidence of business operators and investors who have committed capital to support this programme. Politically, it risks reducing public trust in a programme that is a presidential priority,” he stated.
STRATEGIC PROPOSALS
On the occasion, Gapembi presented the Asta Aspirasi Mitra BGN, containing eight strategic proposals to strengthen the sustainability of the MBG programme.
First, affirming full commitment to supporting the continuation of the MBG Programme across Indonesia. Second, ensuring the readiness of all Gapembi members to become MBG kitchen managers meeting quality, hygiene, and distribution accuracy standards in accordance with BGN guidelines. Third, supporting state budget efficiency and efforts to prevent budget leakages without harming partner investments.
Fourth, requesting the government to review the proposed moratorium on MBG kitchens, as it is deemed to have systemic impacts on community nutrition fulfilment, the viability of raw material supplier businesses, and the investment climate.
Fifth, requesting strong legal and regulatory guarantees to protect the investments of partners and foundations that have invested in building independent SPPG kitchens. Gapembi estimates the investment value committed by partners reaches between Rp60 trillion and Rp90 trillion.
The sixth aspiration is institutional and human resource strengthening within BGN through the placement of personnel with the capacity and competence required by the organisation from the central to regional levels.
Seventh, Gapembi expressed objection to Circular Letter Number 12 dated 17 June 2026, which it considers contradictory to BGN Technical Guideline Number 401.1/2025 and the cooperation agreements signed between partners and BGN.
The eighth aspiration encourages the formation of closer collaboration between BGN, business operators, and academics through the establishment of a joint assistance team to formulate a national standardisation for MBG kitchen management that is adaptive and problem-solving oriented.
SPPG KITCHEN DEVELOPMENT
Alven stated that MBG partners are in principle ready to support the government’s target of accelerating SPPG kitchen development. Therefore, Gapembi hopes that every programme evaluation is conducted objectively and constructively without disrupting ongoing kitchen operations and the investments made by partners.
“We believe President Prabowo will listen to the aspirations of partners on the ground. The MBG programme is a long-term national investment to create a healthy, strong, and competitive generation. Therefore, what is needed now is strengthened governance and collaboration, not programme termination,” Alven said.
FREE FROM CORRUPTION
Meanwhile, Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka committed to improving the governance of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme to ensure it is free from corrupt practices, so that the budget used is truly felt by the community.
“We will ensure every rupiah is properly utilised and, most importantly, free from corrupt practices,” Gibran said at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in Jakarta on Thursday (18/6) before departing for a working visit.