BGN enforces financial transparency in free meals program

hartono · Jun 24, 2025

National Nutrition Agency Head Dadan Hindayana (right) at a press conference on the establishment of free meals program kitchens, in Jakarta on June 16, 2025. ANTARA/Lintang Budiyanti Prameswari

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has established a multi-layered supervision system to ensure financial credibility and prevent the misappropriation of funds allocated to the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program.

BGN Head Dadan Hindayana stated in Jakarta on Tuesday that the financial oversight function is shared between two key units within the agency: the Principal Inspectorate and the Deputy Office for Monitoring and Supervision.

"With the presence of these two internal supervision bodies, the BGN is confident in overseeing the implementation of the MBG program across Indonesia," he emphasized.

According to Hindayana, the two units have comprehensive and mutually complementary supervisory functions and tasks. The Principal Inspectorate focuses on internal audits and evaluations, whereas the deputy office is tasked with monitoring the technical matters of the program's execution.

Elaborating on the deputy office, he noted that its scope includes ensuring that all MBG kitchens, officially known as nutrition fulfillment service units (SPPGs), comply with the established operational standards.

Regarding the funding mechanism, he underlined that BGN requires SPPGs to start operating only after receiving the requisite operational funds via its virtual account.

"Our policy dictates that payments must be made before the SPPGs begin operations. In other words, these kitchens cannot begin operating before receiving fund transfers," he pointed out.

He clarified that this policy aims to prevent the recurrence of arrears earlier experienced by an SPPG in Kalibata, South Jakarta.

The official also noted that all operational funds are distributed via a digital system, enabling real-time and transparent monitoring.

"This policy was made in the hopes of facilitating the work of SPPGs," he stated.

Hindayana concluded by reaffirming BGN's commitment to improving its governance, ensuring compliance with regulations, and maintaining public trust in the MBG program.