Indonesia reviews free school‑meal program as corruption probe unfolds

Indonesia’s Ministry of Education and the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) are reassessing the targeting of the free nutritious school‑meal initiative (Program Makan Bergizi Gratis, MBG). BGN head Nanik Sudaryati Deyang said the review will identify schools with relatively strong finances that may no longer be prioritized, allowing funds to be redirected to regions and communities with greater need.

At the same time, former BGN chief Dadan Hindayana has been named a suspect in a corruption case linked to the MBG scheme. The Attorney General’s Office and the Corruption Eradication Commission allege that the program’s procurement processes were manipulated, with inflated prices and the appointment of partner schools tied to BGN officials. PDIP secretary‑general Hasto Kristiyanto said the party had raised concerns about irregularities in the program long before the investigation, and pledged support for law‑enforcement actions.