Indonesia's Nutrition Agency Defends $350,000 Zoom Budget for Free Meal Program Amid Scrutiny

The Indonesian National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has defended its substantial budget allocation of Rp5.7 billion for Zoom licenses, framing it as a necessary expenditure to ensure the effective implementation of the government's flagship Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program. BGN head Dadan Hindayana emphasized that the extensive coordination required across central and regional levels, including technical guidance and outreach, necessitates a robust digital communication platform.

“

To support the implementation of the free nutritious meal program, which requires extensive coordination, consistent technical guidance, and education for various stakeholders.

Hindayana stated that the Zoom subscription, managed by the BGN's Data and Information Center, will support up to 5,000 active users and accommodate massive virtual sessions of up to 50,000 participants. This capacity, he argued, is crucial for disseminating policies, providing training, and evaluating the program's progress over nine months. The MBG program, a key initiative of President Prabowo Subianto, requires consistent messaging and direct guidance to implementers nationwide, making a high-capacity digital system indispensable for maintaining program quality.

“

With this capacity, BGN can reach tens of thousands of participants at once, including implementers in various regions who require direct guidance from the central government.

However, this significant budget has not escaped public attention and criticism. Details of the procurement, which surfaced on social media, revealed a figure considerably higher than typical Zoom subscription rates. Critics have questioned the necessity and transparency of such a large expenditure, especially given the ongoing need for fiscal prudence. The controversy highlights a recurring tension in public discourse: the balance between the government's stated need for advanced technological tools to deliver public services and the public's expectation of responsible and cost-effective use of taxpayer funds. From our perspective at Tempo, while efficient coordination is vital, such large sums warrant thorough public justification and scrutiny to maintain trust.

“

We want to ensure that messages, directives, and implementation guidelines are fully understood by all implementers. This is part of maintaining the quality of program execution.