8,000+ Indonesian Children Sickened: JPPI Urges Free Meal Kitchen Evaluation

September 29, 2025 | 12:10 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The number of children affected by food poisoning linked to the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program has continued to soar. As of September 27, 2025, monitoring by the Indonesian Education Monitoring Network (JPPI) recorded a total of 8,649 child victims, an alarming increase of 3,289 in just the past two weeks.

The largest spike occurred in the past week, September 22–27, 2025, which saw an additional 2,197 children affected. JPPI notes a clear, escalating trend of MBG poisoning victims throughout September.

"Instead of providing nutritional fulfillment, the government-provided food has actually caused thousands of children to suffer foodborne illnesses. Children's tears in classrooms, long queues at hospitals, parental anxiety, and the trauma of eating the MBG are clear evidence that this program is failing its goals," stated Ubaid Matraji, JPPI National Coordinator, in a written statement on Monday, September 29, 2025.

JPPI sharply criticized the government's response, which has been limited to the temporary closure of problematic Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) or MBG kitchens.

The organization argues that the government, particularly the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), must conduct a thorough, comprehensive evaluation of all MBG kitchens, most of which lack Hygiene and Sanitation Certification.

"Poisoning is just the tip of the iceberg. We found practices such as substandard menus, price reductions per portion, conflicts of interest, and the silencing of critical voices in schools," Ubaid asserted.

JPPI identified three fundamental flaws undermining the MBG implementation:

1. Poor Technical Understanding: A failure to grasp basic nutrition and food standards, including standardizing menus without adequate consideration of local food resources.

2. Flawed Leadership Structure: The BGN's leadership is reportedly dominated by retired military personnel, rather than qualified nutritionists and food experts.

3. Exclusion of Stakeholders: Schools and civil society are excluded from planning and implementation, despite the MBG budget significantly siphoning funds from education.

JPPI urged President Prabowo Subianto to immediately suspend all MBG kitchen operations. Following the suspension, the organization calls for a complete reform of the BGN, including placing professionals in strategic positions and establishing transparent mechanisms for accountability and public participation.

"The ambition to solely pursue quantitative targets has neglected the standards of accountability, security, and child safety. This program was rushed for political image, not for the protection and fulfillment of children's nutrition," Ubaid concluded.

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