Indonesia's Free Meal Program Policies Criticized by Nutrition Expert

Nutrition expert Tan Shot Yen has criticized Indonesia's National Nutrition Agency (BGN) new policies, stating they fail to address fundamental issues within the free nutritious meal program (MBG). Tan asserts that the forthcoming changes do not tackle root problems like weak planning, governance, and program supervision.

"I deeply regret that a national flagship program is devised, managed, and evaluated so poorly. Clearly, the new policy does not solve the problem," Tan stated on Monday, June 8, 2026. She believes a comprehensive overhaul of the MBG program design is necessary. This includes clearly redefining the program's objectives, setting success indicators, and establishing implementation deadlines.

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I deeply regret that a national flagship program is devised, managed, and evaluated so poorly. Clearly, the new policy does not solve the problem.

Tan also emphasized the need to clarify which agencies should be involved and define their roles. Incorporating expertise from professionals with clear duties is crucial. Additionally, existing memoranda of understanding require review and adjustment to align with actual program implementation conditions. From a technical standpoint, Tan stressed that BGN must adhere to the Ministry of Health and Indonesian Pediatric Society guidelines for infant and child feeding.

She further criticized operational issues at service units and nutritional fulfillment centers (SPPG), calling for improvements to kitchens, evaluation of unqualified staff, and cessation of ineffective budget spending. Tan specifically targeted the provision of incentives to SPPGs that are suspended due to negligence, calling it "blind salary." She also insisted that Hygiene and Sanitation Eligibility Certificates (SLHS) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) certification must be mandatory before kitchens operate, unlike the current temporary allowance. Tan proposed that each SPPG should employ at least one professional nutritionist and a trained kitchen head.

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It's like blind salary, right? Getting paid without working.