MBG Programme Hailed as Crucial Step to Improve Nutrition for Underprivileged Children

Netra Bakti Indonesia (NBI) Chairman HRM Khalilur R. Abdullah Sahlawiy, commonly known as Gus Lilur, has praised President Prabowo Subianto’s Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme as one of the most noble and strategic steps to enhance the welfare and nutritional adequacy of Indonesian children, particularly those from underprivileged families. Gus Lilur affirmed his full commitment to supporting the national programme, stating that MBG embodies a noble essence reflecting the state’s presence and compassion towards the nation’s future generation. ‘MBG is a highly noble programme. I am a supporter of MBG. The programme will surely thrive if implemented without interference from individuals attempting to cut the budget on the ground. Our children must receive adequate, healthy, high-quality, and liked meals,’ Gus Lilur said in a written statement on Thursday, 28 May 2026. Gus Lilur linked the programme’s noble values to spiritual aspects in the Quran, specifically Surah Al-Insan verse 8, which emphasises the duty to provide the best and preferred food to those in need. This foundational principle underscores the importance of maintaining full budget allocations per portion to ensure 100% benefit reaches schoolchildren. As reported, the current public understanding of the MBG portion budget structure is Rp15,000, with Rp5,000 allocated for the Nutrition Programme Service Unit (SPPG) operations and Rp10,000 dedicated solely to beneficiary food materials. ‘If the Rp10,000 allocation is fully optimised for bulk food procurement, SPPG will undoubtedly be able to serve meals that are highly appropriate, hygienic, healthy, and nutrient-rich for our children. SPPG managers already have sufficient operational funds, so children’s meal entitlement must not be reduced by even one rupiah,’ he explained. To ensure the programme runs more optimally, transparently, and efficiently, Gus Lilur proposed a constructive step of strengthening direct state involvement. The government is advised to prioritise building self-managed kitchen infrastructure under the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) to minimise reliance on lengthy third-party business chains. In addition to BGN direct management, another innovative option is integrating school-based healthy canteens. This model is deemed highly effective as it shortens the logistics control chain, allowing meals to be served fresher since they are cooked directly on school premises. ‘With kitchens on school premises, oversight becomes much closer and multi-layered. School principals, teachers, committees, and parents can directly observe the process. Health centres and nutrition experts can also regularly monitor hygiene and menus. Such a short control chain will lock in food quality standards in line with the President’s vision,’ Gus Lilur said. He proposed the government start refining the system through a national pilot project in one district/city per province. A successful, transparent, and secure school-BGN partnership model could then be gradually replicated across all regions of Indonesia. ‘NBI will remain at the forefront in supporting MBG’s success. The programme aligns perfectly with religious teachings, constitutional mandates, and the people’s real needs. By maintaining on-ground quality, we are confident this will become President Prabowo’s extraordinary historical legacy for the nation’s children,’ he concluded. According to him, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) through its Monitoring Directorate is conducting an anti-corruption review of MBG’s governance in 2025. National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo has deployed 1,376 SPPG units for the MBG programme, targeting 3.44 million beneficiaries and hiring 68,800 workers. The National Police of the Republic of Indonesia (Polri) has declared operational readiness for 166 Nutrition Provision Service Units (SPPG) inaugurated simultaneously by President Prabowo Subianto. The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme is viewed not merely as school meal distribution but as a strategic intervention to help break the chain of nutrition issues among vulnerable groups.