April 17, 2026 | 04:02 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Nutrition Body (BGN) is facing renewed scrutiny following reports that it spent its 2025 budget on the procurement of shoe polish and brushes. This expenditure was disclosed in realization data from Inaproc, the government’s goods and services procurement portal managed by the Government Goods/Services Procurement Policy Agency.
In the document reviewed by Tempo, BGN entered into at least 12 procurement contracts for shoe polish and brushes. The agency, which oversees the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) project, allocated a total of Rp1.57 billion for these items.
The contract values for these packages range from Rp17.43 million to Rp610.2 million. The single largest contract, categorized under the activity name "Shoe Polish," is recorded at Rp610.2 million.
Regarding the procurement of shoe brushes, the largest individual contract reached Rp158.62 million. Both of the highest-value contracts for these items were awarded to PT Gajah Mitra Paragon through an electronic catalog mechanism.
Tempo investigated PT Gajah Mitra Paragon’s catalog on the Inaproc site. The supplier lists a single unit of Kiwi shoe polish at prices ranging from Rp54,999 to Rp56,000, while a shoe brush from the same company is priced at Rp50,000.
The prices for these items provided by these suppliers appear higher than those found in traditional markets. For comparison, a similar brand’s shoe polish and brush package typically retails for only Rp18,999.
BGN Head Dadan Hindayana has not yet responded to inquiries sent to his WhatsApp number regarding the shoe polish and brush procurement. In a previous statement, Dadan asserted that all of the agency's purchases of goods and services are based on actual field requirements.
He stated that BGN’s procurement activities are essential to the operational needs of the MBG project. "Every expenditure of the state budget within the BGN is conducted through planning, budgeting, and oversight mechanisms in accordance with applicable laws and regulations," Dadan said in a written statement on Monday, April 13, 2026.
BGN's procurement practices have recently drawn public criticism, as many expenditures appear unrelated to the agency's mandate of improving nutrition and tackling stunting. These various procurements have been labeled as wasteful, particularly as the Prabowo Subianto administration has pursued budget efficiency policies since 2025.
Among the more unusual projects is the procurement of over 25,000 motorcycles for the operational use of MBG head chefs. The contract value for these vehicles reached Rp1.2 trillion.
Other BGN projects include a Rp6.9 billion allocation for socks, Rp830 billion for hardware and computers, and Rp113.9 billion for event organizer services.
Read: BGN Plans Nationwide Network of Nutrition Service Offices
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
BGN Plans Nationwide Network of Nutrition Service Offices
2 hari lalu
Indonesia's BGN will establish Nutrition Fulfillment Service Offices (KPPG) in 20 locations in Bogor Regency. What are their duties?
BGN Spends Rp113.9 Billion on Event Organizer Services
4 hari lalu
Most of the event organizer procurement was used for activities at BGN headquarters.
Purbaya Blames Miscommunication for MBG Electric Motorcycles
7 hari lalu
Finance Minister Purbaya clarifies that no new electric motorcycles will be purchased for the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program in 2026.
Today's Top 3 News: UI Hits New Milestone in QS World Rankings
10 hari lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
BGN Apologizes for MBG Poisoning in Jakarta's Duren Sawit
12 hari lalu
BGN Head announced that the agency will immediately suspend MBG operations at the kitchen involved in the incident.
Jakarta: 72 Students Poisoned by Free Meals in Duren Sawit
13 hari lalu
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung paid a personal visit to students suffering from free nutritious meal (MBG) poisoning in Duren Sawit.
Free Nutritious Meals Program Shifts to 5 Days; Savings Hit Rp20 Trillion
16 hari lalu
Coordinating Minister Airlangga announced that optimizing the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program to 5 days a week could save the state Rp20 trillion.
No Cuts to Free Meal Program: BGN Streamlines Budget
20 hari lalu
Minister of Finance Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa ensures no budget cut for the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG).
BGN: 764 Free Nutritious Meal Kitchens Suspended Across Indonesia
22 hari lalu
Some of the free nutritious meal kitchens were suspended due to poisoning cases, while others for failure to comply with technical guidance.
Prabowo to Revamp Distribution Scheme for Free Meal Program
27 hari lalu
Prabowo Subianto discussed plans to adjust Indonesia's Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program during a meeting with public figures in Hambalang.
