President Warns Free Nutritious Meal Programme Must Not Be Used for Personal Enrichment
President Prabowo Subianto has warned partners of the Nutritional Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG) to execute the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme properly and not use it as a means for individuals to enrich themselves.
During the National Consolidation of the MBG Programme, initiated by the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) at the Sentul International Convention Centre (SICC) in Bogor, West Java, on Wednesday (3/6/2026), President Prabowo jokingly suggested that any dishonest SPPG partners should return to the right path and admit if they have committed errors in the programme’s implementation.
“The issue of food is a sacred issue. Food for the poor must not become a means to enrich certain individuals. Food is the easiest thing to corrupt,” said President Prabowo.
He stated that the MBG programme plays a vital role in ensuring the nutritional intake of Indonesian children and preventing malnutrition, which is a primary factor in stunting. The implementation of the programme is driven by the fact that several regions still face high rates of malnutrition. The President highlighted that in some areas, more than 20 per cent, and even nearly 30 per cent, of children suffer from nutritional deficiencies.
He noted that the government is continuously monitoring the implementation of the MBG programme. Furthermore, personnel from the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency (BPKP), the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), and the Attorney General’s Office (Kejagung) could be increased to ensure the implementation of this priority programme proceeds smoothly.
“We must strengthen law enforcement. Because I do not want the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) to be insulted, and I do not want the Government of the Republic of Indonesia to be disrespected. I do not want the people’s money to be stolen, and there will be no exceptions,” the President asserted.
On that occasion, he also emphasised that the MBG programme, managed by the BGN, is a mandate that must be carried out with full responsibility to ensure its benefits reach the community. “Providing food is a noble task for us and it must succeed; it will succeed, and you are an important part of it. But, if you do not want to work well, you must step aside. If you do not want to work well, please step aside. The important thing is that the interests of the people are above all other interests,” said Prabowo.
Additionally, the Head of State expressed his appreciation to all officers and SPPG partners who have implemented the MBG programme, including those working in areas with geographical challenges or remote regions. For Prabowo, the success of the MBG programme is determined not only by good policy but also by the dedication and integrity of those on the ground. Therefore, the President urged all ranks to continue working with a spirit of service, maintaining service quality, and placing the interests of the people as the top priority.
This national consolidation was attended by approximately 12,173 participants and 5,873 partners involved in the implementation of the MBG programme across various regions in Indonesia.