Thousands of Problematic MBG Kitchens Closed, 1998 Activist: Proof Prabowo Is Not Turning a Blind Eye
Thousands of kitchens in the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme have been closed after irregularities were found in their implementation. Haris Rusly Moti, founder of the 1998 Resolution Network, views this step as proof that President Prabowo Subianto is not turning a blind eye to public criticism.
Haris stated that the closure of MBG kitchens occurred following an investigation ordered by President Prabowo to relevant officials. He noted that the government has accommodated various inputs regarding the programme’s management.
“This is proof that President Prabowo is not closing his eyes and ears to criticism and corrections regarding the management of the national nutrition equalisation programme through MBG,” Haris said in a written statement on Wednesday, 8 April 2026.
According to him, much of the criticism of the MBG programme relates to potential budget leakages. However, he believes the government has responded by making improvements, including halting operations at problematic kitchens.
Haris explained that Prabowo also instructed Deputy Head of the National Nutrition Agency, Naniek Deyang, to investigate the programme’s implementation. As a result, several Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG) found to be engaging in deviations were immediately closed as part of the rectification efforts.
He added that, as a relatively new programme that has only been running for just over a year, MBG still requires refinement, particularly in governance aspects. Haris compared it to other long-running social assistance programmes that still face similar challenges.
“Moreover, for a programme that is newly initiated and has only been running for just over a year, we certainly acknowledge that it is not yet perfect in its execution,” he said.
In addition to highlighting the evaluation of the MBG programme, Haris also touched on the importance of maintaining national stability amid global geopolitical uncertainties. He views domestic stability as a crucial factor for government programmes to run optimally.
In that context, he mentioned that the government is also striving to maintain economic stability and energy supplies to avoid disrupting the distribution of people’s basic needs. According to him, such conditions are important to prevent further impacts like disruptions to economic activities and public welfare.
Furthermore, Haris called on all elements of society to continue maintaining unity and supporting government programme improvements. He also reminded state apparatus to carry out their duties according to function and not to misuse existing policies.