TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – The Indonesian government plans to inaugurate the National Command Center for the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) in mid-May 2026. This was announced by Deputy of Coordination for Accessibility and Food Security of the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Nani Hendiarti.
“So, the command center for the implementation of the MBG program throughout Indonesia will be located in the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Investment. It is planned to be launched on May 17, around that date,” Nani said, as quoted by Antara on Sunday, April 27, 2026.
She stated that the operation of the command center aims to enhance synergy between the central government, local authorities, and various related stakeholders. In addition, the Ministry aims to strengthen the program’s governance and improve the quality of service of the Integrated Health and Nutrition Service Unit (SPPG) through this command center.
“In 2026, we are focusing on improving the quality through governance enhancements. We also see that the targets of the intervention for the MBG program must be achieved as well,” Nani explained.
To improve service quality, she mentioned that thousands of SPPGs have been temporarily suspended until the management can resolve the arising issues. Most of the suspensions are related to food poisoning cases and unhygienic facilities.
She conveyed that 1,789 SPPGs have been temporarily suspended as of April 24, 2026. This number significantly decreased from the previous 3,000 SPPGs.
Nevertheless, she acknowledged that some SPPGs have complex issues requiring direct consultation with the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) as the main organizer of the MBG program. “Whether it is necessary to find another location or how to proceed, it needs to be discussed with the BGN,” Nani stated.
In addition to improving the service quality of SPPGs, strengthening governance, and expanding intervention targets, the government also prioritizes enhancing the effectiveness of benefits and educating on healthy and nutritious meal choices as the main policy of the MBG program this year.
Read: BGN Defends Rp5.7 Billion Zoom Budget for Free Meal Program
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