JAKARTA, Thekabarnews.com—Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka supported the decision of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) to temporarily stop the Free Meals (MBG) program during the school holidays. He said it was a necessary step. It is needed to carry out a thorough evaluation of the program’s management.

On Thursday, June 18, during a visit to SDN Wolomoni in the village of Niowula, Ende Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Gibran made the statement. The school break is a beneficial opportunity for the government to do a thorough review. Additionally, it allows this process to take place without disturbing students’ learning activities.

The vice president said the government should use the temporary suspension to improve the overall management system of the MBG program. It has been subjected to public scrutiny in recent times for governance issues.

“School holidays have finally arrived. Now is the right time to conduct a comprehensive evaluation, especially on governance in the BGN,” said Gibran.

The MBG program, one of the flagship programs of the Indonesian government, aims to provide free nutritious meals to students across the country. It seeks to improve child nutrition. Moreover, it is designed to support educational outcomes and reduce stunting.

Since its inception, the program has served millions of beneficiaries, particularly in less developed and remote areas.

Gibran said that while supporting the temporary suspension, the program is still crucial. This is especially true for the communities in Indonesia’s frontier, outermost, and disadvantaged regions, collectively known as the 3T areas.

He said the evaluation is to improve the program, not to end it. This process will ensure that its implementation is more transparent and accountable. As a result, it will be more effective in delivering benefits to students across the country.

The governance review comes amid increased public attention to the BGN. This follows allegations of corruption related to the management of the MBG program. The controversy has raised calls for greater oversight and better standards of operations at the agency.

Earlier, the head of the BGN, Agustina Arumsari, confirmed that the agency would use the temporary suspension during the school holidays to conduct a comprehensive audit. This audit will cover all MBG kitchens operating across Indonesia.

An audit will look at operational procedures, financial accountability, food quality standards, and the overall distribution system. Its goal is to ensure the program meets its objectives when schools reopen.

Officials have repeatedly said that the suspension is temporary and part of wider efforts to improve governance and public confidence.

The authorities are hoping the evaluation will generate recommendations that will enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability. This will occur ahead of the resumption of the nationwide meal distribution.

The government has reiterated its commitment to keep the MBG program as one of the pillars of Indonesia’s human capital development strategy. This is in line with high standards of governance and public accountability.

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