Government Continues to Strengthen Coordination and Oversight of the Free Nutritious Meal Program
Jakarta – The government has emphasized its commitment to strengthening coordination across ministries and institutions in implementing the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG). President Prabowo Subianto stated that this program is a strategic investment for the nation’s future because it directly impacts the well-being of future generations. He believes that providing balanced nutrition for Indonesian children is not merely a social program, but rather a long-term human resource development measure that determines the nation’s competitiveness. “The Free Nutritious Meal Program is an investment for the nation’s future,” he said.
The President added that this program cannot be implemented in isolation but must be accompanied by strict oversight at every level of implementation. He emphasized the importance of synergy between the central government, regional governments, and the community to ensure that the program’s benefits are truly felt by all levels. He stated that each party has a moral responsibility to ensure that nutritious food reaches children in need. He emphasized that the program’s success is not only measured by the number of recipients, but also by changes in the quality of life and improvements in public health. “We want children to grow up healthy, intelligent, and highly competitive. Therefore, oversight and cooperation from all parties are key,” he said.
Following up on the President’s directive, the Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Dadan Hindayana, stated that the government continues to strengthen the field monitoring system to ensure program implementation is on target. He explained that by October 2025, the MBG had reached more than 36 million beneficiaries across Indonesia, with more than 12,500 active Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG). He stated that this achievement demonstrates the increasing effectiveness of collaboration between the central and regional governments. “This achievement is clear evidence of cross-sector synergy in ensuring that people’s nutritional rights are met,” he said.
Furthermore, Dadan explained that his agency is preparing to add between 5,000 and 6,000 new SPPGs in remote areas to expand service coverage. He emphasized that the national target of 82.9 million beneficiaries by the end of 2025 can be achieved through multi-layered supervision and stronger cross-sectoral coordination. “We are committed to maintaining the quality of nutritious food throughout the region, because equitable access is key to social justice,” he said.
He emphasized that the entire implementation of the MBG program will continue to be monitored transparently through a digital reporting system, ensuring that food aid distribution truly meets needs and eliminates overlap. Dadan concluded by stating that the MBG is not only a nutrition alleviation program but also a symbol of national collaboration. “Investment in nutrition is the foundation of national progress,” he concluded.
