Indonesia Implements Stricter Quality Control for Free Meal Program

Quality Assurance Measures for MBG Kitchens

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has announced stricter quality control measures for kitchens participating in the Free Meal Program (MBG). Kitchens failing to meet standard operational procedures (SOP) will face a daily incentive reduction of Rp 6 million. This decision was communicated by BGN's Deputy Head, Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, during the Coordination and Evaluation Program event held at Aston Cirebon Hotel on December 7, 2025.

Rationale Behind Incentive Adjustments

The incentive reduction serves as a quality assurance mechanism to maintain food safety and program integrity. The daily incentive of Rp 6 million is a fixed payment designed to ensure readiness and compliance with BGN standards. By linking incentives to performance, BGN aims to prevent potential food safety incidents and maintain consistent quality across participating kitchens.

Addressing Implementation Challenges

The payment structure has previously faced criticism from some partners and foundations who felt treated unfairly as the incentive wasn't based on the number of servings. BGN has acknowledged these concerns while maintaining that the fixed payment structure is essential for ensuring operational readiness and standard compliance. The new quality control measures represent a significant step in balancing fairness with quality assurance in the program's implementation.