ACEH, thekabarnews.com—The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has simultaneously activated 980 Free Meals (MBG) program kitchens across 16 provinces. This expands food services in remote areas and regions with high stunting prevalence.

BGN head Sudaryono launched the latest phase in Aceh Besar regency on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026. The participating Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPGs) are located across Sumatra, Kalimantan and Bali.

Of the 980 units, BGN said 691 were in Sumatra. The remaining 289 were distributed across Kalimantan and Bali.

“Last week, we activated 480 SPPGs in disadvantaged, frontier and outermost regions, as well as areas with very high stunting prevalence,” Sudaryono said.

“This week, we are doing the same in Bali, Kalimantan and Sumatra. A total of 980 SPPGs in 16 provinces are being inaugurated simultaneously, with Aceh Besar serving as the center.”

The latest activation follows BGN’s launch of 480 SPPGs in eastern Indonesia earlier in October. The agency has prioritized regions classified as 3T—Indonesia’s term for disadvantaged, frontier and outermost areas. In these areas, geography and limited infrastructure can restrict access to regular nutrition services.

Activation refers to bringing approved SPPGs into the program’s operational network. It does not necessarily mean BGN constructed all 980 facilities during the same week.

Alongside the expansion, Sudaryono warned operators and members of the public against people offering to secure SPPG approval in exchange for money. He said BGN had not authorized intermediaries to represent either himself or the agency.

“We have not authorized anyone, and we have not instructed anyone. Everything is processed through the system,” he said.

“There are no brokers and no people authorized to invoke my name, the BGN leadership or BGN headquarters to offer services and demand payment. There are none.”

BGN said it had received reports of individuals allegedly demanding payments of Rp100 million to Rp200 million to assist with SPPG activation. Sudaryono mentioned reported cases in Cilacap and several other areas. However, he did not publicly identify the people involved.

“We have found several individuals in Cilacap and other regions who asked for Rp100 million, Rp200 million or Rp150 million,” he said. “If you encounter this, take photographs, collect the evidence and report it to law enforcement.”

BGN said its system determines SPPG locations according to service needs and the program’s priorities. The process should not require unofficial payments to officers, brokers or anyone claiming connections to the agency.

The agency has also asked regional administrations to participate in monitoring the kitchens. Sudaryono said local leaders may conduct unannounced inspections to ensure food preparation follows safety and hygiene procedures.

Expanding the network can improve access to nutritious meals. However, the program’s effectiveness will depend on more than the number of SPPGs activated. Transparent selection, food-safety compliance and accurate beneficiary data will remain essential to ensuring that meals reach the communities most in need.