The Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Dadan Hindayana, firmly stated that there has been no reduction in portions or budget cuts for raw materials in the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG).

He denied claims suggesting that there had been a policy to reduce the value or nutritional content of meals served in the field.

“How could there be a cut per portion? The nutritious meal program consists of three main components,” Dadan said when met in Jakarta on Tuesday (October 28, 2025).

“The first component is raw materials, which follow the principle of cost-based pricing. This means that whatever the market price is in the field, that is exactly what we pay,” he continued.

For instance, if the cost of raw materials in Papua reaches IDR 100,000 per portion due to geographical and logistical factors, BGN will still pay the full amount without any reduction.

“So, if prices rise, or in Papua the cost of ingredients is IDR 100,000, then the agency will pay IDR 100,000. How could there possibly be any deduction?” he emphasized.

In addition to raw materials, Dadan explained that there is also an operational cost component of IDR 3,000 per portion, which also follows the cost-based principle. If the operational expenses exceed that amount, they can be increased; conversely, if there is any surplus, the funds will be kept in the program implementer’s account.

“If it’s not enough, it can be added. If there’s a surplus, it will be stored in the account,” he said.

“Everything is calculated transparently and flexibly, according to the actual needs in the field,” he added.

Furthermore, Dadan mentioned that there is an incentive component which serves as the entitlement of program implementation partners.

These incentives can be withdrawn daily after the cooking and meal distribution activities are completed.

“The incentive is the partner’s right. They can use or withdraw it every day after their work is done,” Dadan explained.

This statement from BGN aims to refute public speculation suggesting that there has been a budget cut per portion in the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG).

BGN ensures that all funding components are implemented in accordance with the principles of accountability and transparency, to maintain the quality of meals across all implementation regions.