New National Nutrition Agency Policies Fail to Address Free Nutritious Meal Governance Issues

Nutritionist and public health activist, Tan Shot Yen, believes that several new policies to be implemented by the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) have yet to address the fundamental issues in the execution of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme. According to him, the proposed changes do not touch the root causes, which include weak planning, governance, and programme supervision.

“I deeply regret that a flagship national programme is being designed, managed, and evaluated so poorly. Clearly, the new policies do not solve the problem,” Tan stated on Monday, 8 June 2026.

Tan suggests that the government needs to undertake a comprehensive overhaul of the MBG programme design. The first step, he argues, should be to redefine the programme’s objectives clearly, including specific targets, success indicators, and implementation deadlines. Furthermore, the government must clarify which agencies are involved and define the boundaries of each agency’s role, while ensuring the involvement of experts with clear mandates.

Additionally, existing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) should be reviewed and adjusted to reflect the actual conditions of the programme’s implementation. On a technical level, Tan emphasised that the BGN must adhere to the guidelines for Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) established by the Ministry of Health and the Indonesian Pediatric Society (IDAI). These guidelines should serve as the primary reference for nutritional interventions.

Tan also criticised the operational issues facing several Nutrition Service Units (SPPG). He urged the government to fix problematic kitchens, evaluate incompetent personnel, and halt ineffective budget expenditures. Specifically, he argued that the BGN must revoke the provision of a Rp 6 million incentive for SPPGs that have been suspended due to negligence or procedural violations.

Regarding food standards, Tan insisted that the Hygiene Sanitation Suitability Certificate (SLHS) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) certification must be mandatory prerequisites before kitchens are allowed to operate, rather than allowing them to operate while waiting for certification.

He also proposed that every SPPG should employ at least one professional nutritionist and a trained head chef capable of professional kitchen operations. From a supervisory standpoint, Tan suggested building a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation system covering nutritional status, food quality, kitchen governance, sanitation, financial management, and community satisfaction.

For implementation in underdeveloped, frontier, and remote (3T) regions, Tan argued against relying on corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds. Instead, he suggested reducing production costs by utilising existing school canteens and establishing new ones where necessary. He also emphasised the need for nutritional education at the village, district, and provincial levels to promote local food utilisation.

Finally, Tan urged the government to be more open to public criticism, suggesting that influencers and community leaders should provide honest feedback based on field conditions rather than merely acting as promotional tools. He stated that criticism should be viewed as a mirror for governance and feedback for improvement, rather than being dismissed as slander or disinformation.

Previously, the Head of the National Nutrition Agency, Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, revealed several new policy directions for the BGN. These announcements came two days after her appointment, following the arrest of her predecessor, Dadan Hindayana, by the Attorney General’s Office over alleged corruption. The new policies include a moratorium on opening new SPPGs, focusing on improving existing kitchens, budget efficiency through refocusing beneficiaries, and developing new implementation schemes for 3T regions.