Jakarta. The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has urged the government to strengthen transparency and public oversight in the implementation of President Prabowo Subianto’s flagship Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program, while reiterating its support for the initiative despite ongoing corruption and food safety concerns.
KPK chairman Setyo Budiyanto said on Wednesday that the anti-graft agency supports the continuation of the nationwide school feeding program but wants the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) to adopt recommendations from its governance review, particularly on transparency, accountability, and public participation.
“The most important thing is improving the system. Everything must be transparent, and all parties should be involved, including local oversight bodies and the public,” Setyo told reporters in Jakarta.
Setyo said he had met recently with newly appointed BGN head Nanik Sudaryati Deyang to discuss the KPK’s findings and recommendations. He called on the agency to continue coordinating with the KPK’s prevention division to minimize corruption risks in the program.
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His comments come as the MBG program faces mounting scrutiny over governance, funding management, and food safety. Earlier this month, President Prabowo replaced former BGN chief Dadan Hindayana and two deputies overseeing the program. The Attorney General’s Office later detained the three former officials as suspects in a corruption investigation linked to the management of the initiative.
Setyo said the KPK had previously coordinated with the State Development Audit Agency (BPKP) regarding alleged corruption in the program but saiod that the Attorney General’s Office had already launched a formal investigation. He said the KPK would continue monitoring developments and remain ready to coordinate with prosecutors if necessary.
The controversy has intensified following a report from Indonesia’s National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM), which found strong indications of human rights violations in the program’s implementation. The commission said around 38,000 people had been affected by mass food poisoning incidents linked to meals distributed under the program since its launch in early 2025, with cases reported across 36 provinces.
In response, the National Nutrition Agency has imposed a temporary moratorium on the establishment of new meal production kitchens while it reviews governance and operational standards. The agency is also introducing stricter food safety and hygiene requirements after a series of poisoning incidents.
The program has faced additional disruptions in recent weeks as hundreds of kitchens temporarily suspended operations due to delayed funding disbursements from the agency.
Despite the challenges, the government has ruled out ending the initiative. Muhammad Qodari, head of the Presidential Communications Office, said the free meals program is a key political commitment made by Prabowo during his successful presidential campaign.
“The free nutritious meals program cannot simply be stopped because it is part of Mr. Prabowo’s vision and political mandate,” Qodari said. “He was elected president based on his policy platform, and therefore the program cannot be discontinued.”
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