Chief Inspector of BGN, Jimmy Alexander Adirman, made this statement during the "National Gathering of the Indonesian Nutritious Meal Kitchen Entrepreneurs Association (Gapembi)" here on Monday.
He stated that, to date, 7,300 Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) or MBG kitchens are ready to operate across Indonesia, with another 15 thousand currently undergoing verification.
“Please stay true to our values, foundations must be socially oriented, not profit-oriented. These programs are funded by the government and are tax-exempt,” he explained.
Adirman reminded all SPPGs to manage government funds carefully and implement risk mitigation measures to ensure accountability.
“Gapembi plays a crucial role as an extension of the government. Every kitchen must be accountable, because even every Rp5 from state funds must be reported. Be careful with state money,” he warned.
BGN, he added, has updated its technical guidelines to confirm that foundations partnering in the MBG program are exempt from taxation.
Referring to Law No. 7 of 2021 on the Harmonization of Tax Regulations, he noted that certain services, including food and catering services, are exempt from Value Added Tax (VAT).
“So, if any SPPG heads are still questioning whether it is taxed or not, no, it is not taxed. These are government-funded programs,” he clarified.
In line with President Prabowo Subianto’s 2045 Golden Indonesia vision, BGN aims to raise public awareness on nutrition, strengthen food security systems, and realize nutrition development.
“It (MBG) has a multiplier effect on the economy, as every kitchen employs about 47 paid volunteers,” he said.
BGN has also established an inspectorate to evaluate kitchen performance, from accounting to nutritional standards.
Related news: Indonesia's free meals program reaches 38,000 people in Karimun
Related news: DPR urges BGN to create hygiene standards for free meals program
Related news: Indonesia's Kapuas accelerates free meals program for schools
Translator: Lintang, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
