Indonesia to Launch National Command Center for Free Nutritious Meal Program in May 2026

The Indonesian government is set to inaugurate the National Command Center for the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) Program in mid-May 2026, aiming to strengthen program governance and improve service quality across the country.

According to announcements made by Nani Hendiarti, Deputy of Coordination for Accessibility and Food Security of the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, the command center will be located within the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Investment and is scheduled for launch around May 17, 2026.

The primary objective of the command center is to enhance synergy between the central government, local authorities, and various stakeholders involved in the MBG program. It will also focus on strengthening program governance and improving the quality of service delivered through Integrated Health and Nutrition Service Units (SPPGs).

As part of ongoing quality control measures, the government has temporarily suspended 1,789 SPPG units as of April 24, 2026, due to issues such as food poisoning cases and unhygienic facilities. This represents a significant decrease from the previous peak of 3,000 suspended units. The Ministry is working closely with the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) to determine whether these suspended units require relocation, restructuring, or other interventions.

In 2026, the government’s focus for the MBG program includes improving service quality through governance enhancements and ensuring that intervention targets are met. The command center will serve as a central hub to monitor and coordinate these efforts nationwide.

The MBG program continues to expand its reach, targeting vulnerable groups including pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, toddlers outside of early childhood education (PAUD), and students from PAUD to high school levels. A significant portion of the program’s budget is allocated to nutritional meal interventions for these groups.

With the launch of the National Command Center, the Indonesian government aims to ensure more effective monitoring, better coordination, and higher standards in the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal Program throughout 2026 and beyond.