Indonesia Refocuses Free School Meal Program Under New Nutrition Agency Head

National Nutrition Agency (BGN) chief Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, appointed by President Prabowo Subianto, said the agency will concentrate the Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG) programme on children in the most disadvantaged "3T" regions. She announced a review of beneficiaries, noting that wealthy schools "tidak perlu menerima" because families can meet nutritional needs, and said the agency will halt the opening of new MBG kitchens while existing sites, now numbering 27,877, are reorganised. Funding will rely on state‑owned enterprise CSR and grant‑based grants so the programme does not add to the state budget.

Tangerang Selatan mayor Benyamin Davnie echoed the national policy, stressing that "kebutuhan gizi anak menjadi prioritas pembangunan SDM" and that the free‑meal programme is an investment in the health, concentration and development of students. The city will strengthen coordination with the central government, BGN and schools to ensure the MBG scheme reaches those who need it most.