Exclusive, Head of BGN Dadan Hindayana Explains Burger and Spaghetti as MBG Menu

The Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Prof. Dr. Ir. Dadan Hindayana did not deny that burgers and spaghetti were made into a Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) menu. However, the menu is only a diversion; the main menu is still fresh food based on local resources and the preferences of local residents.

***

According to Dadan Hindayana, the emergence of menus from foreign countries in the MBG program began with the freedom given to the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG). SPPG accommodates the aspirations of children and other beneficiaries, so that a number of popular menus such as burgers and spaghetti emerge.

"The policy basis in SPPG is fresh food, based on local resources, and the local residents' favorite. But one day a week, SPPG is given the freedom to accommodate the wishes of children. In certain areas, there are children who rarely eat burgers, and that wish is fulfilled. But that's not the main thing, just a diversion. There are also those who ask for spaghetti and other menus. So it's just for variety," he said.

As a form of seriousness in supporting local food, BGN has compiled dozens of menu books sourced from typical regional dishes. There are MBG menus typical of Manado, Ambon, Makassar, Medan, and so on.

"We have made 80 MBG menu books based on local wisdom. Unique to Manado, Ambon, Makassar, and others, all are in the book. On January 8, 2026, we ask all SPPG to cook menus based on local wisdom," he said, adding that SPPG in the Bogor area can also occasionally cook menus typical of other regions.

In this first year, BGN has learned a lot in implementing President Prabowo's priority programs. Although poisoning cases still occur, Dadan targets zero accidents in 2026. Meanwhile, for MBG beneficiaries, the target set is as many as 82.9 million people. "Hopefully this target can be achieved," he said when met at the SPPG Cibadak, Tanah Sereal, Bogor, Thursday, January 1, 2026.

After a year of running, how is the realization of the MBG program by BGN?

Alhamdulillah, so far it has gone smoothly despite many obstacles here and there. Most of it went well. We started this program on January 6, 2025 with 190 Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) serving 570 thousand beneficiaries. Today's data after the 2025 program was concluded last night, closed with 19,188 SPPG throughout Indonesia. In a year, we can add 18,998 SPPG. On January 8, 2026, we will serve at least 55 million beneficiaries.

For 2025, what is the target for beneficiaries?

"Our first year target is 17.5 million beneficiaries. The SPPG we are targeting was originally only 5,000. But because the President often visits the area, many people ask. Then he called us, instructed this program to be accelerated and increased in quantity. Alhamdulillah, from 190 SPPGs now there are 19,188 SPPGs. We are expected to carry out our duties as well as possible. Finally, the number of SPPGs increased and the number of beneficiaries also increased significantly. On January 8, 2026 will be our starting point.

In 2026, what is the target for MBG beneficiaries?

"We target 82.9 million beneficiaries. Hopefully this target can be achieved.

"Each beneficiary is estimated at Rp15,000, can this be implemented?

"From this fund, we map the raw materials of Rp10,000. But that is an average figure and its nature is at cost. This depends very much on the fluctuation of prices and different cost indices in each region. For Java and Sumatra, the figure is very optimal. But for areas such as Papua, the figure becomes around Rp25,000 for raw materials.

Of the Rp15,000, Rp3,000 is allocated for operational costs (volunteer pay, cooking costs, transportation, etc). Well, the remaining Rp2,000 is for incentives for partners who build SPPG. So, the 19,188 SPPG that have been formed are all financed by partners; there is no government funding for the initial phase.

What about the 3T areas (Lagging, Leading, and Outlying)?

"For 3T areas, there are incentives for luxury. So it can't be compared with areas outside 3T where transportation is smooth.

During the implementation of this MBG program, what are the obstacles faced?

The biggest obstacle is the lack of uniformity in each SPPG, including compliance with the implementation of the SOP that has been set. So for the past year, our team has been intensively communicating with SPPG so that they can implement what we have outlined. Various incidents in a small number of SPPG usually occur due to non-compliance with SOP. Then we do coaching so that they can be better in the future.

What about the lack of nutritionists at the SPPG, is it true? And how to solve it?

Initially, nutritionists were taken from nutrition majors. Because the number is limited, it was eventually taken from the nearest majors, such as Bachelor of Public Health, Bachelor of Food Technology, Bachelor of Food Processing, and Bachelor of Food Safety. With this pattern, BGN can meet the needs for nutritionists.

This program promises to drive a circular economy, how is it in reality?

Each SPPG that stands will absorb around 50 employees. Then, at least 15 suppliers are needed for MBG raw materials such as rice, eggs, vegetables, fruits, oil, and others. Each supplier also absorbs labor, so the presence of SPPG is welcomed enthusiastically. For example in Lumajang, people even pay dues - some sell cows to motorcycles - to build SPPG. They are aware that the establishment of SPPG can contribute to lifting the local economy.

Every month, one SPPG needs 5 tons of rice which can be produced from an area of 2 hectares. Farmers no longer have to bother marketing their crops. The same is true for other commodities such as fruit, eggs, and vegetables.

"It is reported that because the community has not been able to meet the needs of SPPG, the goods are finally taken from the big traders again, is it true?"

"Until now, our development has only emphasized the production element. However, when production is abundant, marketing is often a problem because no one has guaranteed the absorption of production results. With SPPG, we not only create new demand, but also guarantee the absorption of production.

It takes time to synchronize demand and supply. So far, residents have kept chickens or catfish without any guarantee of sale; now there is a guarantee. If you meet the rhythm, the needs of one SPPG can be fully met by the surrounding community. SPPG that has been running requires a sustainable supply of materials, both from local markets and distributors who are already used to it.

"The nutritional problem of MBG may be fulfilled, but if children don't like it, how do you solve it?"

"In our family alone, the taste of each child is different. I have four family members and their tastes are not the same. Nutritionists are tasked not only to prepare menus that are high in nutritional value, but also to ensure that the food meets the child's taste. This is a challenge that must be solved by nutritionists and chefs at SPPG.

If each SPPG has a nutritionist, can the observer's protest about menus such as burgers or spaghetti be overcome?

The policy basis in SPPG is fresh food, based on local resources, and the tastes of local residents. However, in one day a week, SPPG is given the freedom to accommodate the wishes of children. In certain areas, there are children who rarely eat burgers, and then the desire is fulfilled. But it's not the main menu, just a snack and variety.

"Regarding the local menu, our country is very rich in regional cuisine, has it been adopted?

"We have made 80 MBG menu books based on local wisdom, and the book can be purchased by the public at the nearest bookstore. Typical menus of Manado, Ambon, Makassar, and other areas are all there. On January 8, we asked all SPPG to cook menus based on local wisdom.

The distribution of MBG on holidays was also questioned, what was the chronology?

"What we target is not only schoolchildren, but also pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers for the prevention of stunting in the First 1,000 Days of Life (HPK). This is very important so that children grow free of stunting. Well, this does not depend on school holidays. Our focus on pregnant and breastfeeding mothers continues. For children who are on school holidays, there is no harm in us still giving them the right to receive nutritional intake.

"For cases of poisoning in various regions, what is the mitigation?

"There were indeed cases of poisoning. In September 2025 there were 67 cases, in October 85 cases. Alhamdulillah, in November it dropped to 40 cases. The Ministry of Health's record in December was only 11 cases. With the increasing number of SPPG, it means there is a significant improvement. Hopefully, in the future this case can be completely lost (zero accident).

If investigated, what is the root of the problem of this poisoning case?

First, regarding compliance with SOP. The process of cooking food should not be more than 6 hours before consumption, but there are still SPPGs that cook at night. Then the issue of water quality; 50% of the incidents are caused by water factors, so we require SPPGs to use certified water.

In addition, regarding the use of coconut milk. For small portions of coconut milk is easy to overcome, but for large portions it is very risky, finally the coconut component is eliminated. This step turns out to be effective in reducing the incidence rate. We have learned a lot and conducted tests so that the MBG content is minimal containing ingredients that can trigger digestive disorders.

Are there any sanctions for SPPG who are negligent?

Of course. When there is an incident (poisoning), we immediately stop service at the SPPG. We investigate and evaluate, then the SPPG must improve itself. Thank God, from all these incidents, none of the SPPGs have repeated the same mistake. In fact, their operations have become much better.

This place (interview location) used to be a famous restaurant but was not popular, and was eventually turned into a SPPG. We are grateful to all parties who have helped the MBG program, both directly and indirectly. We help those who fail in culinary businesses to get back on their feet by participating in the MBG program. This is what makes the MBG program run fast. I would like to thank all the "Pejuang Merah Putih" who have contributed, because the 19,188 SPPG that exist today are 100% the contribution of partners.

How is the audit mechanism carried out by BGN for the MBG program, given that the funds used are not a little?

"Our budget is mostly for nutritional intervention. The money is stored in the state treasury, not in the BGN treasury. Funds are disbursed through virtual accounts at each SPPG. Before disbursement, there must be confirmation from BGN employees and another from the partner party so that they can control each other.

The SPPG must spend funds in accordance with the allocation: raw materials, operational costs, and incentives. The price of materials must refer to market prices and the cost of living index in each region. If there are irregularities, we will hand it over to the auditor. There are SPPG that have proven that the price is not in line with the market, they are obliged to return the excess funds.

So, it's very difficult to cheat on funds in SPPG. If someone dares, it's a pretty bold action because it will be quickly found out. If SPPG wants to make more profit, the way is to produce its own raw materials. Supervision is layered from various sides and we are very open to every report that comes in.

From the beginning, Prof. Dr. Ir. Dadan Hindayana did not aspire to become a public official as the Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN). He is very aware of the consequences, especially the loss of privacy. However, he accepted all the input, criticism, both directly and in the form of memes that spread on social media. "I take it lightly and stay cool," he said.

Dadan admitted that he did not expect to have a heavy duty as the captain of the BGN. "I never expected to be given such a heavy task. At first I was only a team of experts, so I could still be an academic. But after being inaugurated as the Head of BGN, I have to focus," he said.

He is aware that as a public official he will be in the spotlight of all parties, especially that what he is running is the priority program of President Prabowo, namely Free Nutritious Meals (MBG). "When President Prabowo entrusted this task, I had imagined the weight of the task that would be carried out. One of the reasons I didn't aspire to be a public official was about privacy, because I'm the type of person who wants to be relaxed," he explained.

Now, after officially taking office, his privacy is practically gone, especially in the digital age. "It will definitely be the center of attention. I have told my family to cool down and stay cool. Even if there are many comments, just read them, don't think too much about it. Make all of that input," he said.

After he observed, netizen comments were varied. There were comments that were right - meaning there must be improvements - and there were also those who commented because they didn't understand - meaning public communication must be more intense.

The very high workload at BGN made Dadan unable to teach at the campus. "Once you become a public official, your position as a lecturer is temporarily suspended. I give the opportunity to other lecturer friends to advance," said the IPB Professor, who nevertheless is still willing to be a mentor and speaker at scientific forums.

Some time ago, Dadan Hindayana's photo playing golf went viral on social media. "First, I have been playing golf since 2007. Second, I have built an alumni community of IPB who also like to play golf since 2008, and currently I am the Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Third, because this is an invitation from the community that I built, I want to attend, especially the purpose of the event is for charity for victims of disasters in Sumatra," he explained.

Unexpectedly, Dadan's actions on the golf course went viral because they were associated with the busy schedule of other officials who were visiting Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, as if he was just doing a hobby. "From the results of the fund-raising, Rp. 450 million was collected. As much as Rp. 250 million for scholarships for affected children and the remaining Rp. 200 million for direct assistance. It has been distributed, the rest is in process (on process)," he said.

Dadan admires the creativity of netizens who make various memes about him. The latest is about BGN who still distributes MBG during the Christmas and New Year holidays. "Their creativity is amazing. In the memes made, I became a smart joget. It's funny, but I don't take it to heart. I make all of that input," he said.

His family has now "dedicated" themselves to the smooth running of the MBG program. Leaving early in the morning and coming home late at night has become a routine. "They are sincere. Even on vacation they are willing if I still have to work," said Dadan, who considers every day a working day.

In the midst of a busy schedule, he stole time to sleep in the car while moving locations. "The ideal sleep time is at least 6 hours a day in 2025 is not fulfilled. That's why I use the available time gaps. In addition, when there is a chance to exercise, I will play it as much as possible," said the man who enjoys music and watching movies as a balancer.

Another tip that Dadan Hindayana does is to maintain food intake. "I try to eat foods that support activity and health," said the man who likes to eat nasi liwet, grilled fish, salted fish, mixed vegetables, and lalapan.

"When there is an incident (poisoning), we immediately stop service at the SPPG. We investigate and evaluate, then the SPPG must improve itself. Thank God, from all these incidents, none of the SPPGs have repeated the same mistake. In fact, their operations have become much better,"

Dadan Hindayana