National Nutrition Agency Clarifies that IDR 6 Million Incentive is Included in the IDR 15,000 Menu Cost for the Free Nutritious Meal Program
The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has addressed circulating issues regarding the IDR 6 million incentive, which is separate from the IDR 15,000 per menu budget for the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG). BGN assures that the incentive is already included in the per-portion funding for the MBG.
The Deputy Head of BGN, Sony Sonjaya, stated that the MBG is not designed as a scheme for instant profit but rather as a public service instrument based on quality standards and accountable governance. The technical guidelines specify an average allocation of IDR 15,000 per day for each beneficiary.
The IDR 15,000 per MBG menu includes the components of raw materials, actual operational costs (at cost), and incentives for the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG). The SPPG incentive is set at IDR 6 million per day of operation and is provided based on service availability, not based on the number of portions produced.
“Assuming a maximum service capacity of 3,000 beneficiaries per day, the IDR 6 million incentive is equivalent to IDR 2,000 per portion. This means that the incentive is an integrated part of the IDR 15,000 per menu funding structure and not an addition outside the budget,” said Sony, quoted from the official BGN website, Thursday (February 26, 2026).
He also clarified the narrative that mentions ‘net profit of IDR 1.8 billion per year.’ Sony said that this is incorrect.
“That figure is an estimate of the maximum gross revenue from the incentive component in a full year of operation, calculated from IDR 6 million multiplied by 313 days of operation (365 days minus 52 Sundays), resulting in IDR 1,878,000,000 per year,” he explained.
To receive the incentive, partners must build and operate SPPGs according to strict standards set by BGN. Initial investment (capital expenditure/capex) incurred by partners from personal funds ranges from IDR 2.5 billion to IDR 6 billion, depending on the location and land prices.
This investment includes the procurement of 500-800 square meters of land, the construction of an industrial kitchen of approximately 400 square meters, the installation of a three-phase electrical system, a standard drinking water filtration system, a wastewater treatment installation (IPAL), antibacterial flooring, an air conditioning system, at least 16 CCTV cameras, employee quarters, an office space, industrial cooking equipment, and compliance with certifications such as SLHS and halal.
“The circulating figure of IDR 1.8 billion is the maximum gross revenue before deducting investment, asset depreciation, and other operational costs. The MBG program is designed to ensure the readiness of facilities and the quality of services, not to provide excessive profits to partners. The established standards reflect a commitment to quality, food safety, and program sustainability,” said Sony.
With this investment structure and maximum gross revenue of around IDR 1.8 billion per year, Sony added, the business breakeven point is projected to be reached in the range of 2 to 2.5 years. In the early stages of operation, revenue is used to cover investment capital, building depreciation, and equipment, so it does not yet reflect net profit.
For information, the MBG program is part of a national strategy to provide nutrition to approximately 82.9 million beneficiaries in stages through the construction of 35,000 to 40,000 SPPGs in 38 provinces. The entire process, from determining beneficiaries, disbursing funds through virtual accounts, daily reporting, to the auto top-up mechanism, is carried out digitally and monitored in layers to ensure accountability in the use of state funds.
Also watch the video “MBG Kitchen Receives IDR 6 Million/Day Incentive Even on Holidays, What is it For?”
(idn/imk)