Antara, Jakarta – The National Nutrition Agency is preparing a distribution scheme for the free nutritious meal (MBG) program targeting the elderly, expanding its reach beyond students and expectant mothers, in coordination with the Social Affairs Ministry.
"The scheme is being finalized together with the Social Affairs Ministry," National Nutrition Agency head Dadan Hindayana said on Wednesday as quoted by state news agency Antara.
Deputy head Nanik Sudaryati Deyang added that, for now, the elderly segment of the program remains under the authority of the Social Affairs Ministry, which already has experience running meal assistance initiatives for senior citizens. "For the elderly free meal program, it is currently still handled by the Social Affairs Ministry," Nanik said.
Earlier, Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf said the determination of beneficiaries among elderly people and persons with disabilities will be conducted through a data-based assessment using records held by the ministry and regional governments.
The list of prospective recipients will then be validated by regional heads before being submitted to the National Nutrition Agency as the basis for services at nutrition fulfillment service units.
Saifullah explained that the primary targets are elderly individuals aged above 75 who live alone, as well as persons with disabilities who face limited access to daily nutritional needs.
Beyond expanding kitchen services, the rollout for elderly and disabled beneficiaries will also be strengthened by the presence of trained caregivers. These assistants will receive phased training to support food distribution and provide on-the-ground assistance to recipients.
Under the division of responsibilities, the National Nutrition Agency will oversee food provision and program budget management, while the Social Affairs Ministry will prepare field officers, distribution systems, and beneficiary assistance.
"MBG for the elderly and persons with disabilities is centralized at the National Nutrition Agency. The Social Affairs Ministry prepares personnel and the distribution system. The budget is managed by the agency, while we are responsible for delivering and assisting beneficiaries," Saifullah said.
The MBG program, a flagship initiative of President Prabowo Subianto, was initially designed to target children, students, and pregnant women. In 2025, it reached 50.7 million beneficiaries, out of a total target of 82.9 million people. Implementation has been supported by 17,555 kitchens (SPPG), employing 741,985 workers.
For 2026, the government has earmarked Rp 335 trillion for the program. The National Nutrition Agency plans to accelerate implementation by building an additional 8,200 kitchens, with a focus on disadvantaged, frontier, and outermost regions.
Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/indonesia-plans-to-expand-free-meal-program-to-elderly-agency-say