Indonesia's nutrition agency opens pathway for kitchen partners to change overseeing foundations

Indonesia's National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has created a mechanism for partners of the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit, known as MBG Kitchens, to change the foundations that oversee them. Sudaryono, the BGN head, explained that the move targets foundations that demand payments without contributing to kitchen management or guidance. The agency discovered instances where foundations asked for up to Rp2,000 per meal portion while neglecting operational support, threatening the quality of free nutritious meals.

To address this, BGN launched distinct registration channels for foundations and partners, enabling partners to submit applications and documentation of any financial hardship caused by their former foundation. All submissions will be processed following standard procedures to promote transparency and accountability in the MBG program. The change follows earlier reporting that highlighted foundation deductions and the complex role of third-party investors in kitchen operations.