Supporting New National Nutrition Agency Head, PSI Requests Focus on Free Nutritious Meal Programme

The Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme is considered to play a vital role in supporting the quality of future generations, according to Grace Natalie, Deputy Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI). She stated that this initiative demonstrates the government’s responsiveness to evaluations and public feedback.

“The MBG is an important programme. Criticism and suggestions must be heard and acted upon if they are valid. The President is setting an example in that regard,” Grace said on Wednesday, 3 June 2026.

Grace assessed that the MBG is one of the strategic programmes designed to improve the quality of Indonesia’s human resources. However, she emphasised that this objective can only be achieved if the programme is managed professionally and accountably. “We believe the Free Nutritious Meal programme is an excellent and strategic breakthrough for the nation’s future. However, this grand vision will only have an optimal impact if managed with professionalism and accountability,” she added.

President Prabowo Subianto previously appointed Nanik S. Deyang as the new Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), replacing Dadan Hindayana. This change was reportedly made based on the results of monitoring and evaluation regarding the programme’s implementation. In her duties, Nanik will be accompanied by Agustina Arumsari and Trenggono as Deputy Heads of the BGN. Grace expressed hope that the new leadership would be able to strengthen programme governance, including building more effective monitoring and evaluation systems.

“The new leadership must be able to oversee the MBG programme solidly, supported by a capable monitoring and evaluation system, so that the programme does not merely function, but truly provides sustainable benefits to the community,” she concluded.