JAKARTA, Thekabarnews.com—Indonesia will continue to implement the Free Meals (MBG) program. This is despite an internal restructuring at the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), said Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s presidential staff office head, Dudung Abdurachman.

President Prabowo Subianto remains fully committed to the flagship social program, Dudung said. He added that the recent changes in the BGN leadership and the ongoing legal process showed the government’s seriousness in beefing up supervision and improving governance.

“The President has made it clear that the Free Meals program will continue as it touches on the basic needs of the people, especially schoolchildren, women in pregnancy, and other vulnerable groups,” Dudung said.

He said the government sees the recent restructuring as part of a broader effort to improve accountability. Moreover, it aims to make sure the program operates in a transparent and efficient manner.

Dudung emphasized that the national nutrition initiative should not view the replacement of senior BGN officials as a setback. Instead, he said, the government is taking corrective action to strengthen institutional governance and ensure uninterrupted public services.

The Presidential Staff Office (KSP) has also stepped up its monitoring of the program.

“KSP officials recently carried out surprise inspections at several MBG kitchens in several regions to evaluate their operational performance and compliance with established standards,” said Dudung.

The inspections revealed that many of the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) had adopted operational procedures following government guidelines.

“We found that many of the MBG service units have already properly implemented the required operational standards,” Dudung said.

Aside from government supervision, Dudung urged the public to participate in overseeing the implementation of the MBG program.

“Community involvement will help increase transparency, identify operational shortcomings and improve accountability throughout the entire nationwide initiative,” he said.

The Free Meals program is one of President Prabowo’s flagship policies to address nutritional outcomes for Indonesian children. It also supports maternal and child health.

The programs will focus on school students, women in pregnancy, lactating mothers, and other vulnerable groups across the country.

BGN has recently undergone several internal reforms after leadership changes and legal proceedings involving former agency officials.

Authorities say the measures aim to improve governance and ensure the responsible spending of public money. At the same time, they do so without disrupting services to beneficiaries.

Officials have repeatedly said operational improvements and institutional reforms will continue in parallel with the program’s implementation.

The government also plans to strengthen quality control, improve supervision, and improve coordination among relevant ministries and agencies.

Dudung also stressed that the organization is still in the process of adjustment. However, the administration remains committed to the long-term goals of the program.

“The government’s priority is to ensure that the eligible beneficiaries continue to receive nutritious meals as we strengthen governance and improve the implementation of the program,” he said.

Reforms are ongoing, and the government anticipates enhanced institutional accountability. Improved program management and increased public oversight will also contribute to strengthening the long-term success of Indonesia’s nationwide nutrition initiative.

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