Indonesia's Badan Gizi Nasional urged to tighten free nutrition program after KPK audit

Indonesia’s anti‑corruption commission (KPK) urged the Badan Gizi Nasional (BGN) to make the free nutrition program (Makan Bergizi Gratis, MBG) more targeted and transparent. Deputy head Agustina Arumsari said BGN will act on KPK’s recommendations, forming a team to monitor anti‑corruption measures and improve budgeting for kitchen operations.

Supporters of MBG – including farmers, volunteers and partners of local nutrition service kitchens – staged peaceful protests in Surabaya and a long‑march to BGN’s Jakarta office. While they praised the program’s micro‑economic impact, they demanded clearer budget allocation, better communication with kitchen operators and swift action on alleged corruption that has halted some kitchen sites.

The protests highlighted concerns over a proposed 2027 budget cut of up to Rp 174 trillion and called for the president to intervene. BGN has pledged to respond to KPK’s findings and to ensure that reforms move beyond paperwork.