Indonesian Nutrition Agency Denies Exaggerated Procurement Claims Amid Public Scrutiny

Public attention has recently focused on the procurement practices of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), with concerns raised about the seemingly excessive costs associated with everyday items such as socks, laptops, and tableware. These allegations have sparked public debate regarding the responsible use of public funds.

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Procurement exists, but not as much as stated. For example, 32,000 laptops and Rp4 trillion for tableware are completely untrue.

In response to these concerns, the Head of BGN, Dadan Hindayana, has sought to clarify the situation. He acknowledged that procurement processes are indeed underway as part of the operational necessities for the 'Free Nutritious Meal' program. However, he strongly refuted claims that the scale of these procurements has been as vast as widely reported, specifically addressing the figures for laptops and tableware as inaccurate.

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Procurement of socks, laptops, and tableware is carried out according to real needs in the field.

Mr. Hindayana provided specific details to counter the public's perception, stating that the procurement of laptops in 2025 was limited to approximately 5,000 units, a figure significantly lower than the 32,000 units that had been circulating in public discourse. He emphasized that all procurement activities are aligned with the actual needs on the ground, aiming for efficiency and necessity rather than excess. The agency aims to assure the public that funds are being managed judiciously within the program's operational framework.

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The procurement of laptops was not 32,000 units as reported, but only around 5,000 units throughout 2025.