Supporting Government Steps, MBG Partners Highlight Importance of Policy Synchronisation

The Central Board of the Indonesian Nutritious Food Entrepreneurs Association (Gapembi) has clarified the organisation’s stance regarding Circular Letter (SE) No. 12 of 2026 concerning the temporary suspension of the Free Nutritious Meal Programme (MBG) during school holidays, stating it is not a rejection of the policy to pause MBG kitchen operations. DPP Gapembi Chairman Alven Stony said the objection was directed more at the decision-making process, which was deemed to lack adequate communication and consultation with implementing partners directly affected on the ground. “We need to set the record straight to avoid misunderstandings in the community. Gapembi does not take issue with operational adjustments during school holidays. Our concern is the unilateral decision-making process, without prior communication with the partners who have been running the programme in the field,” Alven said on Friday (19/6).

According to Alven, MBG partners have been fully committed to supporting the success of this national strategic programme from the outset. Therefore, any policy changes impacting operations, human resources, supply chains, and financing aspects should be discussed beforehand so they can be implemented orderly and not create new problems. He explained that Gapembi’s stance refers to the seventh point of the Asta Aspirasi Mitra BGN, namely the rejection of Circular Letter Number 12 of 2026 dated 17 June 2026, as it is considered contradictory to several regulations that previously served as the reference for programme implementation. “The issue is not simply whether kitchens are closed or not. What we are highlighting is the potential for regulatory overlap between the Circular Letter and the BGN Head’s Decree on Technical Guidelines Number 401.1 dated 29 December 2025, as well as the Cooperation Agreements between partners and BGN that have been the basis for programme execution,” he stated.

Alven assessed that under the principles of good governance, any new policy should align with higher regulations and consider the legal, administrative, and operational consequences that may arise. According to him, policies that appear suddenly without adequate socialisation and explanation have the potential to cause confusion at the implementer level, create business uncertainty, and disrupt the continuity of the ongoing programme. “Therefore, we request clarity, certainty, and regulatory consistency. There must be no conflicting rules that lead to multiple interpretations in the field. Such matters could potentially trigger turmoil, disputes, and legal claims that could actually be avoided from the outset through good communication and coordination,” he said.

Despite this, Gapembi affirmed its full support for the Free Nutritious Meal Programme as a government priority to improve the nutritional quality of the community and create a healthy and productive Indonesian generation. Alven also appreciated the steps taken by the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) to strengthen the implementation of the MBG 3B programme, an MBG service specifically targeting vulnerable groups to accelerate stunting reduction. This programme is aimed at pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers aged six months and above as priority beneficiary groups. According to him, strengthening MBG 3B is a strategic step because it focuses not only on providing nutritious food but also on validating beneficiary data, cross-sector collaboration, and aligning distribution mechanisms so that assistance truly reaches the groups most in need. “The MBG 3B programme shows the government is serious about making MBG an instrument for accelerating stunting reduction. Therefore, we hope all policies related to programme implementation, including operational arrangements in the field, are carefully formulated and well communicated so that this noble goal can be achieved optimally,” Alven said.

Gapembi hopes BGN will strengthen communication and consultation mechanisms with all stakeholders, including foundations, Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG), food suppliers, and other implementing partners before establishing policies with broad impacts. “What we hope for is a better space for dialogue and coordination. Partners are not parties to be informed after decisions are made, but rather part of the programme implementation ecosystem that needs to be invited to discuss so that every policy can run effectively, be on target, and not cause problems later on,” he said. With this clarification, Gapembi hopes the public understands that the organisation’s stance is not a rejection of the school holiday policy within the MBG Programme, but rather an encouragement for every policy change to be carried out transparently, consistently, and in accordance with good governance principles to maintain the sustainability of the national programme. “In principle, we support every policy that strengthens the quality of MBG Programme implementation, including the strengthening of MBG 3B. What we are fighting for is regulatory certainty, open communication, and a healthy partnership between BGN and all programme implementers in the field,” Alven concluded.

Presidential Chief of Staff General TNI (Ret.) Dudung Abdurachman emphasised the government’s commitment to continuing the Free Nutritious Meal programme amidst the internal reform process at the National Nutrition Agency. Speaking at Bina Graha Building, Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, on Friday (19/6), Dudung said the change in leadership and the ongoing legal process are clear evidence that the government is responsive and transparent. “The change in BGN leadership and the ongoing legal process show that the government is not turning a blind eye to the problems that occur. The government has the courage to take corrective steps,” he said.