Zulhas Flags Free Meal Programme Going to Elite Schools, Orders Overhaul in One Month

Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan, also known as Zulhas, has instructed the Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Nanik S. Deyang, to restructure and rectify the free nutritious meal (MBG) programme. A key concern for Zulhas is the programme’s beneficiaries.

Zulhas revealed that many elite schools which do not require the programme are receiving it. Conversely, he noted, there are still schools in need of the programme—particularly in the 3T (frontier, outermost, and least developed) regions—that have not yet been reached.

“In the context of improvements, we need to refocus to ensure the beneficiaries are accurately targeted. For example, the better-off schools will be addressed directly within this month. The elite schools, indeed, do not require nutritious meals,” Zulhas said following a coordination meeting at the Coordinating Ministry for Food in Central Jakarta on Thursday (11/6/2026).

“Those who need it have not received it, but those who do not need it have. Now, this will be further reorganised because we will focus on those who are severely lagging behind, the 3T regions,” he continued.

Zulhas also demanded improvements to kitchen quality concerning hygiene. He stressed that there must be no further poisoning cases.

“Because we have zero tolerance on this matter of food safety. Even if it is just one case, there should be no more instances of food poisoning. Therefore, the focus will be on this within this month. Yes, in a month we will review the situation again,” he stated.

Previously, Zulhas disclosed data showing the number of kitchens had swelled in connection with alleged trading of Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG) site allocations. This swelling refers to numbers not aligning with the initial planned amount.

The figure combines MBG kitchens both within the 3T regions and outside them. Outside the 3T regions, the initial projection was 21,000 points nationwide, but the latest data shows 27,877 points.

“For instance, there has been trading of site points. The initial plan should have been for 21,000 points, but now there are 27,877 points. There is a swelling of 6,877 points, according to the report just now from Ibu Nani,” Zulhas said after the coordination meeting.

Specifically for the 3T regions, there was a plan for 2,000 points, but findings now indicate 8,617 points. Of these, 6,138 points already possess a decree (SK) from the BGN.

“Now, the second point, ladies and gentlemen, is our primary concern because these are indeed the least developed regions, the 3T areas. The 3T areas were recorded as having 2,000 points, but then swelled to 8,617 points. And 6,138 of those points already have an SK from the BGN,” he said.