Indonesia overhauls Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program amid fake kitchen closures and efficiency push

Indonesia’s National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has shut down hundreds of fictitious Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) kitchens in Cilacap, Central Java, as part of a broader effort to clean up the program’s governance.

The government is reviewing MBG’s management to focus delivery on the "3B" group – pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and toddlers – and on remote "3T" regions. Officials say the program’s daily school meals have helped reduce stunting and aim to improve nutritional quality and hygiene.

Stakeholders, including the Association of Free Nutritious Meal Entrepreneurs (Gapembi) and the Nahdlatul Ulama’s religious‑school network, have called for greater involvement in policy discussions. They argue that private‑sector partners have saved the state an estimated Rp 111.28 trillion by funding kitchens that would otherwise cost Rp 4 billion each.

Deputy Treasury Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan urged a more measured rollout, citing early‑stage inefficiencies and recent budget savings of about Rp 70 trillion from program adjustments. The administration pledged to address operational bottlenecks, clarify suspension procedures, and coordinate closely with the new BGN chief.