Government Faces Multiple Challenges in the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program

    The Indonesian government’s flagship initiative, the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program, has recently come under public scrutiny due to a series of implementation challenges. Designed to provide healthy meals for schoolchildren, pregnant women, and vulnerable groups, the program aims to reach up to 83 million beneficiaries by 2029, with an initial budget of around IDR 71 trillion. However, several issues have surfaced, including distribution difficulties in remote areas, inadequate kitchen facilities, and budget adjustments with the cost per meal reduced from IDR 15,000 to IDR 10,000. These challenges have raised concerns about the program’s nutritional quality and its effectiveness in achieving its objectives.

    Furthermore, the program has created unintended consequences on the ground. The Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) reported that many school canteens have suffered financial losses due to declining sales, while teachers are burdened with administrative duties related to meal distribution. Adding to the problem, several mass food poisoning incidents linked to MBG meals have damaged the program’s reputation and prompted calls for stronger oversight and system reviews. Without immediate improvements, this initiative intended to enhance the nation’s nutritional well-being—risks undermining public health and eroding public trust in government policies.