Jakarta – The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has clarified issues related to incentive payments for partners of the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) under the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program. BGN emphasized that the payment mechanism has been arranged proportionally and in accordance with the applicable work scheme, ensuring that no payments are made outside operational provisions.
Deputy Head of BGN, Sony Sanjaya, explained that SPPG operations are calculated based on six working days per week and do not include Sundays.
“On Sundays, no incentives are calculated. However, if a national holiday falls on a working day, payments are still made based on the principle of standby readiness,” he said.
According to Deputy Head of BGN Sony Sanjaya, this principle ensures that facilities, monitoring systems, and experts remain on standby whenever needed, including for emergency nutrition interventions. He cited the example of the floods and landslides that struck Aceh and Sumatra at the end of 2025, when several SPPG units were converted into emergency kitchens to assist affected communities.
“The payment represents retention for facility readiness, similar to a commercial property lease scheme that continues even on holidays,” he added.
He also clarified issues regarding alleged political affiliations in the partner selection process. Deputy Head of BGN Sony Sanjaya affirmed that BGN is a technocratic institution that implements an open selection process with strict requirements.
“Private companies, cooperatives, village-owned enterprises (BUMDes), and foundations with investment capacities ranging from Rp2.5 billion to Rp6 billion, land in accordance with zoning regulations, and compliance with hygiene and food safety standards are welcome to participate in the selection process,” he explained.
He added that compliance with standard operating procedures is the primary evaluation parameter, and no party is immune from sanctions.
“The MBG program is built on principles of transparency, accountability, and fiscal efficiency. Narratives that oversimplify gross revenue figures as net profit clearly do not reflect the reality of the partnership,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Indonesian Nutritious Meal Entrepreneurs Association (Gapembi), Alven Stony, assessed the SPPG partnership scheme as a strategic government breakthrough in mobilizing private investment without burdening the state budget (APBN) for infrastructure development.
He stated that with 24,000 SPPG units already established and per-unit investments reaching Rp2 billion to Rp3 billion, total partner investment is estimated at Rp48 trillion to Rp72 trillion, and could even exceed Rp200 trillion if land value is taken into account.
“This model demonstrates strong synergy between the government and business actors in strengthening the national nutrition ecosystem,” he concluded. (*)