Nutrition Partners Back Holiday Suspension of Free Meal Program, Urge Action on Illegal Kitchens

The Association of Free Nutritional Meal Partners of Indonesia (AMMSI) has voiced support for the National Nutrition Agency's (BGN) decision to temporarily suspend the Free Nutritional Meal Program (MBG) operations during school holidays. This stance comes amidst protests from some partners regarding the move.

AMMSI considers the temporary halt a rational measure for controlling state expenditure and improving the program's governance. In a written statement on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, following BGN's issuance of Circular Letter No. 12 of 2026 regarding operational adjustments for the Nutritional Meal Service Units (SPPG) during holidays, AMMSI argued that the policy provides clarity on work mechanisms for SPPGs, ensuring the program runs more orderly and meets actual service needs.

"Every rupiah allocated for the Free Nutritional Meal Program must be used effectively, transparently, and accountably," the statement read. Beyond supporting the BGN's policy, AMMSI highlighted a more pressing concern: the emergence of new kitchens operating outside the official system, including alleged trading of kitchen operational points despite the closure of the registration portal.

AMMSI believes these unauthorized kitchens could disrupt program planning and lead to budget wastage. "We strongly reject kitchens that appear outside the official mechanism, especially those resulting from the trading of points. If they are forced to operate, there will be a surplus of kitchens burdening the state finances," AMMSI stated. The association urged BGN, internal government supervisory bodies, and relevant stakeholders to promptly regulate these illegal kitchens to prevent irregularities and maintain the credibility of this strategic national program.

AMMSI affirmed its commitment to overseeing the MBG program as part of its support for President Prabowo Subianto's priority initiatives, emphasizing that program success depends on good governance and the integrity of its implementers. Tempo has sought comment from BGN regarding AMMSI's statement and the alleged unauthorized kitchens but had not received a response at the time of publication.