Head of the National Nutrition Agency Dadan Hindayana expressed gratitude for the decline in poisoning cases from the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program to just 50 in January 2026. Despite an increase in service units, intensive oversight has minimized incidents. Dadan also highlighted MBG as Indonesia's major investment in human resources until 2045.
On Monday, February 9, 2026, at Jakarta City Hall, Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Dadan Hindayana shared positive updates on the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program. He expressed relief that poisoning cases in January 2026 dropped to just 50 incidents, significantly lower than in September or October of the previous year.
"Alhamdulillah, the cases during January were 50 incidents. That's much smaller compared to October or September," Dadan stated.
He noted this achievement is impressive given the sharp increase in Nutritious Meal Service Units (SPPG) compared to the prior year. The government aims for zero cases moving forward through more intensive monitoring and warnings to negligent SPPGs.
"We're doing it more intensively, and we're also giving warnings to SPPGs that are still violating, especially for somewhat serious violations," he added. Additionally, SPPGs are required to obtain certification and accreditation to maintain quality.
At the same event, during the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government and BGN, Dadan described MBG as Indonesia's largest human resource investment toward 2045. He cited Japan's experience, where nutrition programs since 1926 raised the average height of young people by 10 cm, from 159.5 cm to 170 cm by 2024.
"The free nutritious meal program is the Indonesian government's largest human resource investment to welcome quality human resources in 2045," he said. Dadan emphasized that balanced nutrition produces healthy, intelligent, and productive generations, ultimately reducing stunting in Indonesia.
