President Prabowo tightens oversight of free meals program

[hartono]

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto delivers a statement to the press after the launch of the learning digitalization program in Bekasi, West Java, on Monday (November 17, 2025). (ANTARA/Mentari Dwi Gayati)

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Monday vowed to tighten oversight of the government’s Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program following reports of student health complaints linked to the initiative, saying the state is fully responsible for safeguarding beneficiaries.

Speaking in Bekasi, West Java, Prabowo said the government is investigating the cases and responding seriously, even though the health issues may stem from other causes.

He ordered all officials and partners involved in the program to strengthen hygiene standards and improve food-handling procedures.

“There must be absolutely no deviation,” he said, adding that preparations must be tighter, and monitoring must be stricter. Equipment for cleaning lunch boxes, water filtration, and other supporting tools must be ready.


President Prabowo said the program’s benefits are already being felt nationwide and will become clearer as field implementation improves.

The MBG program has reached 44 million beneficiaries in less than a year — surpassing a similar initiative in Brazil, which took 11 years to reach 40 million people.

The Indonesian government aims to expand coverage to 82.9 million recipients.

Launched on Jan. 6, 2025, the MBG program is one of Prabowo’s flagship policies and targets children under five, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and students through high school.

President Prabowo tightens oversight of free meals program

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Monday vowed to tighten oversight of the government’s Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program following reports of ...

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