ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – Indonesia’s Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG), championed by President Prabowo Subianto as a flagship initiative since his 2024 presidential campaign, is now facing a serious crisis.
Since its launch on January 6, 2025, a total of 5,360 children across various regions have suffered mass food poisoning after consuming meals provided under the program.
What was meant to be an investment in children’s nutrition and the future of Indonesia has instead triggered a national panic, with the public accusing the government of mismanagement and negligence.
Government Admits Negligence, Issues Apology
Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, speaking at the Presidential Palace on Friday, September 19, 2025, acknowledged failures in oversight of the MBG program.
“On behalf of the government, we sincerely apologize. A thorough evaluation will be conducted to ensure these poisoning cases do not continue to recur,” Prasetyo said.
He stressed that the government would not cover up any violations and that sanctions would be imposed on negligent food providers (SPPG). However, he warned that penalties must not disrupt the overall operation of MBG.
Surge in Cases and Public Outcry
According to records from several non-governmental organizations, the MBG program has already claimed thousands of victims, mostly children across the country.
The Indonesian Education Monitoring Network (JPPI) reported that at least 5,360 children had suffered food poisoning after consuming MBG meals up to mid-September 2025.
“Since MBG was launched, the number of poisoning cases has continued to rise. JPPI monitoring shows that no fewer than 5,360 children have been poisoned as a result of this program,” the group stated in a press release on Thursday, September 18 evening.
JPPI noted that both the number and geographic spread of cases had increased in the past week. The organization suspects the actual number is far higher, with some schools, local governments, and even officials allegedly covering up reports.
“This figure is certainly higher, as many schools and regional administrations have chosen to hide cases,” JPPI said.
On this basis, JPPI urged President Prabowo and the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) to no longer turn a blind eye to what it called a repeated national tragedy.
Meanwhile, the Institute for Development of Economics and Finance (INDEF), through a presentation by its Head of Digital Economy and MSME Center, Izzudin Al Farras, on September 4, noted that more than 4,000 cases of MBG-related food poisoning had been recorded during the first eight months of the program.
Suspected Source: New Supplier Under Fire
The head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Dadan Hindayana, revealed that the latest outbreak in Banggai Islands Regency was suspected to come from skipjack tuna supplied by a new vendor.
“Supplier changes must be carried out gradually to avoid allergy risks or contamination,” he explained.
In Banggai alone, 251 students were affected, with 78 requiring hospitalization.
Massive Budget, Mounting Risks
The MBG program is not just a social initiative but also one of Indonesia’s largest fiscal projects. In the 2025 State Budget, the government allocated Rp71 trillion (US$4.6 billion) for MBG, with the figure set to skyrocket to Rp335 trillion (US$21.8 billion) in the 2026 draft budget.
The program aims to reach 82.9 million beneficiaries, from schoolchildren to toddlers and pregnant women. However, questions are now being raised about the program’s effectiveness and accountability in managing such a massive fund.
A Program on the Brink of Failure?
Public criticism has intensified after reports that 44% of Indonesia’s national education budget (Rp757.8 trillion) has been redirected to MBG. Critics warn that without strict oversight, the program could turn into a ticking health time bomb.
All eyes are now on President Prabowo: will he temporarily suspend MBG for a nationwide review, or push forward with the program despite the risks?
(AT Network)
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