Prabowo orders quality boost for free nutrition program

hartono · Feb 2, 2026

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Archives - Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Dadan Hindayana talks with students during a visit to SDN 01 Kalibaru, Cilincing, North Jakarta, on Thursday (January 8, 2026). ANTARA/Pradana Putra Tampi/am.

Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto has instructed the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) to improve the quality and safety of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program while maintaining its targets, officials said.

BGN Head Dadan Hindayana made the remarks during the 2026 National Coordination Meeting of Central and Regional Governments at Sentul, Bogor, West Java, on Monday.

“President said BGN must work carefully. Targets remain, but quality and safety must be improved,” Dadan said, quoting the president’s directive to prioritize high standards in the nationwide program.

Dadan added that MBG currently operates through 22,275 Nutritional Service Units (SPPGs), serving 60.7 million beneficiaries across Indonesia.

BGN aims to introduce an accreditation system in 2026 to grade SPPGs by performance, ensuring each unit meets proper standards.

“We will assign grades: A for excellent SPPGs, B for very good, C for good, and some units may need to improve to continue operating,” Dadan said.

He explained BGN will also enhance nutrition education, so beneficiaries not only receive meals but learn to select healthy food and improve overall dietary habits.

President Prabowo highlighted MBG as part of government priority programs that also include free health checks and equitable education, noting they have delivered measurable results and broad economic benefits.

“The policies are implemented in an integrated way to strengthen the economy, improve human resources, and achieve sustainable public welfare,” he said.

By 2026, the MBG program has grown rapidly, reaching tens of millions of recipients nationwide, he added.

Prabowo also stressed the program’s wider economic impact, creating local business opportunities and generating employment across regions, contributing to both social and economic development.