Leadership Change at BGN Won't Solve Meal Program Issues, Says JPPI

The recent dismissal of three leaders from Indonesia's National Nutrition Agency (BGN) by President Prabowo Subianto will not resolve the fundamental problems plaguing the government's free nutritious meal program, according to the Indonesian Education Monitoring Network (JPPI). JPPI argues that the move addresses individual issues but fails to tackle deeper problems in the program's governance and design.

Ubaid Matraji, National Coordinator for JPPI, stated that the swift replacement of the BGN leaders, following a law enforcement investigation, appears to be an attempt at "damage control" to safeguard the image of the president's signature initiative. "President Prabowo's quick move to dismiss the three is an effort at damage control so that the epicenter of this corruption case does not directly point to and tarnish the image of the MBG program, which is incidentally the president's main legacy program," Ubaid said in a written statement on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.

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President Prabowo's quick move to dismiss the three is an effort at damage control so that the epicenter of this corruption case does not directly point to and tarnish the image of the MBG program, which is incidentally the president's main legacy program.

However, JPPI believes this leadership change is insufficient. "Replacing leaders will not solve the problem; on the contrary, it could cause the MBG program to sink before it fully sets sail," Ubaid warned. The organization points to flaws in the program's initial design, suggesting that public criticism is directed not just at BGN leadership but at the program's structure, which manages a large budget with what JPPI deems inadequate oversight.

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Replacing leaders will not solve the problem; on the contrary, it could cause the MBG program to sink before it fully sets sail.

The alleged corruption case involving BGN leaders has amplified public concerns about potential fund misuse. JPPI also highlights the impact of the legal issues on public trust, noting that the law enforcement raids could trigger a legitimacy crisis at the grassroots level. "How can the public, schools, and local partners trust a school feeding program if the agency managing it is being investigated for alleged corruption? This legitimacy crisis will make implementation in the field even more fraught with suspicion," Ubaid stated.

Furthermore, JPPI criticizes the government's budget policy, arguing that the MBG program receives disproportionate focus, potentially shifting funding priorities away from other crucial public sectors like education and health. JPPI contends that the 20% education budget allocation from the state budget is being distorted by the MBG's funding needs, impacting teacher welfare and the improvement of educational facilities. JPPI recommends a total evaluation of the MBG program's design and an approach that addresses these underlying issues.

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How can the public, schools, and local partners trust a school feeding program if the agency managing it is being investigated for alleged corruption? This legitimacy crisis will make implementation in the field even more fraught with suspicion.