September 30, 2025 | 10:57 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Tempo English compiled the top 3 news on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. Here are the highlights: Indonesian Minister Confirms MBG Program Will Continue Despite Economic Warnings; Madagascar President Fires Government After Gen Z Protestse; Indonesia's Free Meal Program to Continue Despite 6,000+ Poisoning Cases.
The following is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today:
1. Indonesian Minister Confirms MBG Program Will Continue Despite Economic Warnings
The Indonesian Economist Alliance (AEI) has called on the government to temporarily pause the free nutritious meal program (MBG) following recent mass poisoning incidents.
Despite these concerns, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto reaffirmed that the program will continue as planned.
“Yes, the President has had discussions, and the Coordinating Minister for Food has explained to the media, so the program will continue,” Airlangga said during an encounter at his office in Central Jakarta on Monday night, September 29, 2025.
Earlier that day, Airlangga met with 10 representatives from the AEI to discuss the MBG program. The economists presented a series of recommendations, highlighting potential misallocation of funds and the urgent need to review the program’s budget, especially in light of the recent poisoning cases.
2. Madagascar President Fires Government After Gen Z Protests
Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina dissolved his government on Monday following days of deadly unrest which the United Nations says left at least 22 people dead.
"I have decided to terminate the functions of the Prime Minister and the government," Rajoelina said in a televised national address.
He said that Prime Minister Christian Ntsay and other ministers would stay on an interim basis until a new government could be formed. He gave a three-day time frame to review proposals for a new prime minister.
"I understand the anger, the sadness, and the difficulties caused by power cuts and water supply problems," he said. "Your demands have been heard, and I apologize if there are members of the government who have not done the work that the people expected."
3. Indonesia's Free Meal Program to Continue Despite 6,000+ Poisoning Cases
Coordinating Minister for People's Empowerment Muhaimin Iskandar emphasized that the government will continue the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program. This statement addresses the widespread food poisoning cases and demands from various parties to discontinue the program.
Muhaimin, referring to the MBG as a priority program of President Prabowo Subianto, stressed its importance for the equal distribution of nutrition for the nation's children.
"We must not stop halfway. In line with the President's words, this is a hurdle that we must face in the initial stages of implementing a major program," he said in a written statement on Sunday, September 28, 2025.
However, Cak Imin, as he is often called, stated that the government will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to prevent further poisoning cases, affirming that the government will not overlook the events that have occurred.
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Indonesia's Ombudsman Uncovers Premium Rice Fraud in Free Meal Program
1 jam lalu
Indonesia's Ombudsman has uncovered irregularities in the MBG program, including alleged falsification of premium rice quality by a food supplier.
Indonesia to Launch National Internship Program on October 15
4 jam lalu
Airlangga Hartarto announced the "Siap Kerja" national internship program will launch on October 15, 2025, with registration opening the same day.
BGN to Compensate Teachers for Free Meal Distribution Role
11 jam lalu
BGN said this is a way of appreciating teachers for their strategic role in supporting the Free Nutritious Meal program
Madagascar President Fires Government After Gen Z Protests
15 jam lalu
At least 22 people were killed after protests broke out power cuts, water shortages and widespread poverty in Madagascar.
Indonesian Minister Confirms MBG Program Will Continue Despite Economic Warnings
23 jam lalu
The free meal (MBG) program faces criticism following poisoning incidents. However, the government assures that the program will not be halted.
Today's Top 3 News: Indonesia's Free Meal Program to Continue Despite 6,000+ Poisoning Cases
1 hari lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
Indonesia Rights Body Probes Human Rights Concerns in MBG Food Poisonings
1 hari lalu
The National Commission on Human Rights will directly investigate the mass poisoning cases related to the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program.
Indonesia's MBG Program Should Be Paused After Poisonings, Economists Say
1 hari lalu
A group of Indonesian economists voiced their concerns and urged the government to pause the MBG program due to significant budget allocation and perceived inefficiency.
Prabowo Says MBG Food Poisoning Cases Only 0.0017% of Total Beneficiaries
1 hari lalu
Prabowo said the food poisoning cases linked to the free nutritious meal program amount to only 0.0017 percent of its 30 million beneficiaries.
Indonesia to Provide Rp100,000 Daily Incentives for Teachers Overseeing Free Meals
1 hari lalu
Teachers overseeing the government's free meal (MBG) program will receive Rp100,000 per day, with the Education Ministry finalizing the scheme.
