Jakarta. The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) is preparing a new funding mechanism for the public kitchens involved in the government-backed nationwide free meal program. 

BGN's head Dadan Hindayana said that the government had prepared a virtual account trial for the public kitchens. This way, the kitchens will receive an automatic supply of funds without the need to submit daily proposals or reimbursements.

"These kitchens will have a constantly available operational balance. If funds remain at Rp 300 million [around $18,016], the system will automatically top up to Rp 500 million. There will be no more empty balances," Dadan said.

Starting in January 2026, BGN will prepare a daily fund distribution of Rp 900 billion, 85 percent of which will be allocated for the procurement of local food ingredients. With 95 percent of the total coming from the agricultural sector, this mechanism is expected to be a catalyst for strengthening the people's economy.

BGN has a budget ceiling of Rp 335 trillion, consisting of Rp 268 trillion in the main budget and Rp 67 trillion in reserve funds, for next year.

Dadan also said that BGN had mobilized the public kitchens in the disaster-hit areas to prepare meals for the evacuees.

According to BGN data, there are 286 public kitchens tasked with assisting with disaster response in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra.