PDIP Explains Circular Banning Cadres from Exploiting Free Nutritious Meal Programme
Indonesia’s Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) has issued a circular to party cadres across Indonesia. The memorandum, dated 24 February 2026, bans cadres at structural, legislative, and executive levels from exploiting the free nutritious meal (MBG) programme.
PDIP politician Mohamad Guntur Romli explained that the memorandum, numbered 940/IN/DPP/II/2026, was issued for internal party purposes to reaffirm that PDIP has never permitted cadres to engage in “business” related to the MBG project.
“The circular was also in response to allegations made by Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, Deputy Head of the National Nutrition Agency,” Guntur said via WhatsApp on Friday, 27 February 2026.
The allegations in question arose when Nanik appeared as a speaker on IDN Times’ ‘Spirit of New Year’ programme on 14 January. During that programme, Nanik claimed that all political parties had Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG) in MBG projects.
The National Nutrition Agency, according to Nanik, welcomed assistance from anyone in the MBG project as long as management was conducted properly. “Don’t let certain figures be involved, as the food produced could cause poisoning,” Nanik said during the IDN Times programme on Wednesday, 14 January 2026.
Guntur Romli stated that by banning PDIP cadres from engaging in “business” related to MBG, the party automatically reaffirmed its stance against commercialising the MBG project.
The reason, he said, is that MBG is a government programme designed for the people in its implementation. “Therefore, there must be no commercialisation of this people-focused programme,” Guntur said.
In the memorandum signed by PDIP Central Leadership Council Chief for Honour Komarudin Watubun and Secretary General Hasto Kristiyanto, PDIP cadres are not only prohibited from exploiting MBG for financial or material gain.
PDIP cadres across the party’s three pillars are also obligated to maintain integrity and ensure that no abuse of authority occurs that could damage public trust in the party.
Cadres have been instructed to oversee the implementation of MBG in their respective regions to ensure it is carried out in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, reaches the correct targets, maintains transparency, and prioritises public safety and welfare.
“Any violation of this instruction will be considered a violation of party discipline and will be subject to organisational sanctions in accordance with party statutes and internal regulations,” the memorandum states.