PDIP Imposes Strict Ban on Party Cadres Profiting from Free Nutritious Meal Programme

The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) has prohibited its cadres from utilising the free nutritious meal (MBG) programme to seek financial gain or other forms of material benefit.

The prohibition is contained in a letter from the PDIP Central Board of Directors numbered 940/IN/DPP/II/2026, dated 24 February 2026.

“The PDIP Central Board instructs all party cadres across the three party pillars (Structural, Legislative, and Executive) to strictly refrain, either directly or indirectly, from utilising the MBG programme to seek financial advantage or other forms of material benefit,” the letter states.

The PDIP Central Board has requested that cadres maintain integrity and ensure that there is no abuse of authority that could damage public trust in the party. Cadres are also instructed to oversee the implementation of the MBG programme in their respective regions to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, accurate targeting, transparency, and prioritisation of public safety and welfare.

“Any violation of this instruction shall be regarded as a breach of party discipline and shall be subject to organisational sanctions in accordance with the Party’s Constitution and By-laws and Internal Party Regulations,” the letter states.

PDIP politician Guntur Romli confirmed the existence of the letter. He stated that the directive reaffirms that PDIP has never permitted individual interests to be involved in “commercialising” the MBG programme.

“With this prohibition, the party’s position is very clear. MBG is a government programme for the people, and in its implementation there must be no commercialisation of this welfare programme,” Romli said.

He explained that the letter also responds to allegations by Deputy Head of the Nutritious Food Board (BGN) Nanik Sudaryati, who claimed that all political party cadres operate MBG kitchens.

“Therefore, the party prohibits the involvement of members and cadres of PDIP in the MBG business,” he stated.