Prabowo Orders Check on Corruption Loopholes in MBG Programme, Irma of NasDem: President is Not Messing Around

Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives’ Commission IX, Irma Chaniago, responded to President Prabowo Subianto’s directive to the Presidential Staff Office (KSP) to check for corruption loopholes in the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme. She described the directive as a sign that Prabowo is not taking the MBG lightly. “The MBG programme is a presidential priority, and the president’s targets are not to be taken lightly,” said Irma when contacted on Thursday (7/5/2026). Irma sees that Prabowo wants the MBG to improve Indonesian children’s brain growth, increase their IQ, create jobs, and stimulate the economy. “Naturally, the president does not want this priority programme to fall short of its targets,” she added. Furthermore, Irma highlighted that Prabowo’s statement also indicates that issues surrounding the MBG have reached his ears. Therefore, she said, it is reasonable for Prabowo to give special attention to the MBG. “Various issues related to the implementation of this programme have indeed emerged, and they may have reached the president’s ears. So it’s only natural that the president then requests oversight from the KSP to step in,” she stated. In addition, Irma noted that the budget allocated for the MBG is very substantial. Prabowo wants that budget to be used exactly as intended. “The budget to realise this is very large, so its implementation must also be professional and accountable, so that the expenditure of funds aligns with the targets expected by the president,” she explained. Previously, President Prabowo Subianto ordered KSP Head Dudung Abdurachman to check for potential corruption loopholes in the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme. One such loophole is the alleged trading of service points for nutritional fulfilment (SPPG) or MBG kitchens. “There are many loopholes, many loopholes. One of them, I received information about the buying and selling of points. Yes, there is that, one of them. Later, I will look into that buying and selling of points,” said Dudung at the Bina Graha building in Central Jakarta on Tuesday (5/5). Dudung was reluctant to explain other loopholes that could potentially lead to disparities. He assured that he would check directly in the field to examine existing potential disparities, including those related to food. “Ah, later, there are many, don’t make me reveal everything here,” he said. “Later, we will find some. So, for example, if food is found that then leads to poisoning, quality and so on, I will check directly in the field,” Dudung continued.