Controversy Surrounds the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program: Kalibata Kitchen Partner Demands Payment

Jakarta, Xweb.biz.id – The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program, which aims to provide nutritious food to underprivileged communities, is embroiled in serious controversy. One of its kitchen partners, located in Kalibata, South Jakarta, has reported that they have yet to receive the funds owed to them by Yayasan MBN, the foundation behind the MBG initiative. In a surprising twist, the foundation is now demanding Rp400 million from the kitchen partner for alleged financial discrepancies.

Alleged Mismanagement of Funds

Through its legal representative, Danna Harly, the kitchen partner, represented by Ibu Ira, has revealed significant issues in the management of funds for the MBG program. Harly stated that instead of paying the kitchen partner as agreed, Yayasan MBN issued a demand for Rp400 million for alleged embezzlement involving Rp975.375 million.

“We have been in communication with the foundation, but instead of resolving the issue, they are now demanding Rp400 million,” said Danna Harly, as reported by Antara on Saturday, April 19, 2025. Danna expressed confusion, pointing out that the foundation had incorrectly included costs for ompreng (food containers) into the MBG budget, even though Ibu Ira had already paid Rp200 million for them.

Reduction in Payment Contrary to Agreement

The controversy deepened when discrepancies in the payment amount were revealed after the contract was signed. The original agreement stated that each meal would cost Rp15,000, but after the contract was finalized, some portions were reduced to Rp13,000, resulting in a reduced payment for the kitchen partner.

Harly explained that this price reduction was only discovered by the kitchen partner after the first payment was made by the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) to Yayasan MBN. When the kitchen partner attempted to collect the payment, the foundation claimed that there was an outstanding balance of Rp45.3 million, implying that the kitchen partner had failed to fulfill their obligations.

Financial Losses Incurred by the Kitchen Partner

According to Harly, the kitchen located in Kalibata had prepared approximately 65,025 portions of nutritious meals during February and March 2025. However, they have yet to receive the agreed payment for these meals, resulting in a total loss of Rp975.375.000, which only covers two phases of the program.

“Just two phases and already this situation has occurred. This shows there is something wrong with how the MBG program is being implemented and it must be fixed to prevent this from happening again,” said Harly with disappointment.

Commission IX Calls for Evaluation of Yayasan MBN

This issue has also drawn attention from the Indonesian House of Representatives’ Commission IX, with Yahya Zaini, the Vice Chairman, stating that oversight of foundations working with MBG must be strengthened. Zaini pointed out that the cooperation model between Yayasan MBN and kitchen partners was not part of the original plan and needs to be reassessed to prevent further mismanagement.

“The cooperation with the foundation was experimental, and the oversight needs to be tighter,” said Zaini. “This model is prone to errors, and it’s important to review and adjust the process to ensure accountability and transparency in the future.”

Zaini also suggested that MBG should consider running its own kitchens and managing operations directly, rather than relying on third-party catering services. This would allow for greater control over the program’s operations and finances, potentially reducing the risk of similar issues.

Urgent Call for Payment

Harly emphasized that her team will not remain silent and will continue fighting for the Kalibata kitchen partner to receive the payment they are owed. She reiterated that the kitchen partner, who has worked diligently to provide nutritious meals for the underprivileged, should not be treated unfairly.

“Our client has not received a single penny from this collaboration. We demand that Yayasan MBN immediately pay what is owed to the Kalibata kitchen partner who has been wronged,” Harly stated.

Challenges for the Future of the MBG Program

This case serves as an important warning for the future implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals program, which affects thousands of beneficiaries. Going forward, the program needs to be evaluated and revised to operate more transparently and accountably. The government is also urged to tighten regulations on partnerships between foundations and kitchen partners to prevent the misuse of funds and protect all parties involved.

At present, the case is under legal review, and the public is awaiting a fair and timely resolution.

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