BGN opens way for partners to replace noncontributing foundations

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has opened the possibility for partners to replace foundations that do not contribute to improving the quality of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program, BGN Chief Sudaryono said on Sunday.

The move follows problems identified during the registration process involving program partners and foundations overseeing MBG kitchens, officially known as Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPGs), Sudaryono said in a statement.

In some cases, foundations were found to have made no contribution to the operation or supervision of SPPG kitchens but still required partners to make payments based on the number of meal trays distributed, he said.

“These foundations do nothing, make no contribution whatsoever, are not active in the kitchens, do not provide guidance, and have no contribution whatsoever to the operation of the SPPGs under their oversight,” Sudaryono said.

He said the situation needed to be addressed as it could place an additional burden on partners and potentially affect the quality of meals provided to beneficiaries.

He stressed that MBG funds must be used as efficiently as possible to provide quality meals that meet beneficiaries' nutritional needs, while ensuring transparency and accountability.

“Based on efficiency, fairness, and the optimal use of the MBG budget, we are giving partners who feel disadvantaged the opportunity to replace the foundation overseeing them, particularly if the foundation does not contribute to the operation of the kitchen,” he said.

To support the process, BGN has provided two registration portals, one for foundations and another for partners. Through the mechanism, partners can propose a replacement foundation and submit evidence of problems or losses arising from their existing arrangements.

BGN will review the submissions in line with applicable registration procedures, Sudaryono said.

The agency expects the move to create healthier partnerships and ensure that a greater share of MBG funding is translated into quality meals for beneficiaries.

“The bottom line is that we want the funds allocated for the MBG program to be truly converted into quality meals that are well received, have good nutritional content, and are properly accounted for, with strong accountability and transparency,” Sudaryono said.

Related news: Indonesia to activate 480 MBG kitchens in 3T regions on Oct. 2

Translator: Lintang Budiyanti, Kuntum Khaira
Editor: Bayu Prasetyo
Copyright © ANTARA 2026