Corruption probe, BGN reshuffle test future of MBG program

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The leadership reshuffle at the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) and the corruption investigation involving its former top officials have become a major test for the future of Indonesia's Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program, one of President Prabowo Subianto's flagship initiatives.

Within less than 48 hours in early June, the MBG program went through a series of developments, from Prabowo's visit to an MBG kitchen — officially known as a Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) — in West Jakarta to the dismissal and detention of BGN's top leadership.

On the morning of June 2, Prabowo visited the SPPG and inspected its operations, including a greenhouse, cooking facilities, and food packaging processes.

BGN head Dadan Hindayana accompanied the president during the visit and provided updates on the program.

Prabowo later joined students at Public Middle School 111 Jakarta for an MBG lunch consisting of rice, side dishes, vegetables, and fruit.

That evening, State Secretariat Minister Prasetyo Hadi announced the dismissal of Hindayana and BGN deputy heads Sony Sonjaya and Lodewyk Pusung. They were replaced by Naniek S. Deyang as BGN head and Agustina Arumsari and Maj. Gen. Trenggono as deputies.

In the early hours of June 3, the Attorney General's Office (AGO) searched BGN headquarters and detained the three former officials in connection with an investigation into alleged corruption in the implementation of the MBG program.

Later that day, Prabowo addressed more than 12,000 MBG stakeholders in Bogor, West Java, reaffirming the importance of accountability in implementing the program.

The president said the dismissal of the BGN leadership was necessary to safeguard public funds and maintain trust in the program.

"I don't want people's money robbed," Prabowo said, while reiterating that irregularities in the program would be dealt with firmly.

He also revealed that he had consulted the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) and the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency (BPKP) after receiving reports of alleged misconduct involving senior officials.

During the event, Prabowo also stressed the importance of maintaining food quality and adhering to program standards, including meal portions and preparation methods.

Related news: Prabowo orders probe into suspected graft at nutrition agency

Momentum for reform

The government has stated that the leadership reshuffle followed around 1.5 years of monitoring and evaluation that identified serious shortcomings in governance, compliance with standard operating procedures, and food quality management.

Although the MBG program aims to improve human resources and support economic activity, it has faced various complaints since its launch in January 2025.

In September 2025, the Ombudsman identified four major issues in the program's implementation: disparities in SPPG development, recurring food poisoning incidents, delays in payments for field personnel, and foundations with political affiliations managing SPPGs.

The issue of foundation affiliations has since become a key focus of the AGO's investigation into Dadan Hindayana and the two former deputy heads.

In May 2026, the Presidential Staff Office (KSP) conducted surprise inspections at several SPPGs and reported conditions that did not fully comply with government standards.

The AGO has alleged that several SPPGs were managed through foundations affiliated with former BGN officials, allowing them to profit from the program.

Investigators have also cited alleged procurement irregularities involving electric vehicles, shoes, tablets, and televisions, resulting in significant state losses.

The investigation comes amid a substantial increase in the MBG budget, from Rp85.27 trillion in 2025 to Rp268 trillion (over US$16 billion) in 2026.

The scale of the program underscores the need for stronger oversight. MBG has reached tens of millions of beneficiaries through more than 29,000 SPPGs and created an estimated 1.28 million jobs nationwide.

Prabowo's decision to replace the BGN leadership and convene thousands of MBG stakeholders for consolidation reflects the government's effort to strengthen accountability and improve program implementation.

However, leadership changes alone may not be sufficient to address structural weaknesses that allowed problematic practices to persist.

The current momentum will need to be followed by stronger oversight mechanisms, more transparent partner verification procedures, and reporting systems capable of ensuring that field-level concerns reach decision-makers.

As the new BGN head, Naniek S. Deyang has pledged reforms aimed at improving governance and efficiency.

She said the agency would focus on three priorities: reviewing beneficiary targets, imposing a moratorium on new kitchens, and improving existing SPPGs to ensure compliance with government standards.

The recent developments exposed weaknesses in governance while creating momentum for reforms aimed at improving accountability and implementation of the MBG program.

How effectively those reforms are carried out will likely shape public confidence in one of the government's most prominent social programs in the years ahead.

Related news: Ex-BGN chief, two deputies named suspects in MBG graft probe

Related news: President dismisses BGN chief Dadan Hindayana, appoints Nanik Deyang

Translator: Aditya R, Tegar Nurfitra

Editor: Anton Santoso

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