The Prabowo-Gibran administration has allocated IDR 71 trillion to implement the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) Program in 2025. As one of its political promises, the program is certain to be implemented. However, a critical question arises: will its implementation and management truly be effective and sustainable?

This report examines the potential risks of the MBG Program, from uneven distribution and questionable food quality to budget inefficiencies caused by overly long supply chains. Given Indonesia’s unique challenges—such as uneven infrastructure and limited fiscal space—the study underscores the importance of a careful, well-calibrated approach.

The MBG Program must be free from purely political interests and must not become a prestige project that benefits only a few. The program must not be exploited by unscrupulous individuals to misappropriate public funds.

We offer strategic alternatives to ensure that every rupiah allocated directly improves the well-being of Indonesian children. This report serves as a guide for decision-makers, helping the program move beyond a mere promise to become a policy that genuinely benefits the public.

The Prabowo-Gibran administration has allocated IDR 71 trillion to implement the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) Program in 2025. As one of their flagship political promises, the program is certain to be rolled out. Yet a critical question remains: will its implementation and management truly be effective and sustainable?

This report examines the potential risks of MBG, ranging from unequal distribution and questionable food quality to budget inefficiencies caused by overly complex supply chains. Given Indonesia’s unique challenges—such as uneven infrastructure and limited fiscal space—the study underscores the importance of a careful, well-measured approach.

The MBG Program must remain free from political interests and avoid becoming a prestige project that benefits only a few. Safeguards are needed to prevent misuse of public funds. To address this, we propose strategic alternatives that ensure every rupiah spent directly improves the well-being of Indonesian children. This report serves as a guide for policymakers to move the program beyond promises, ensuring it delivers tangible benefits to society.

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