Indonesia's Free School Meal Program Stalls Amid Corruption Probe

Indonesia's Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG) program has come under intense scrutiny after the head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Dadan Hindayana, and two deputies were detained on suspicion of orchestrating a large‑scale corruption scheme. Prosecutors allege the officials created and controlled numerous foundations that received daily kickbacks while managing the program’s food‑service units, and they are also accused of inflating procurement costs for items such as electric motorcycles.

In Jayapura, schools in the Abepura district reported that MBG food deliveries were suspended beginning 1 June 2026 because the local service unit’s administration did not meet BGN requirements. Some schools continue to receive meals, but the irregular supply has raised concerns among parents and educators.

Former deputy Sony Sonjaya has filed to become a justice collaborator, claiming he can identify more than 20 additional individuals linked to the scheme, though their names have not been disclosed pending further investigation. Meanwhile, the newly appointed BGN head, Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, announced a moratorium on the construction of new MBG kitchens to curb spending after the program’s budget was reduced from Rp 335 trillion to Rp 268 trillion. The pause will allow a review of existing facilities and focus on improving operations in already‑served areas, especially in under‑served regions.

The combined actions of the Attorney General’s Office, anti‑corruption investigators, and the agency’s leadership signal a broader effort to restore integrity to a flagship social‑welfare initiative.