Indonesia evaluates Makan Bergizi Gratis program amid poisoning cases

The Indonesian government is intensifying oversight of the Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG) free nutritious meal program following reports of food poisoning incidents. In North Sumatra, health officials are coordinating the medical treatment of victims, with some being referred to Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM) in Jakarta to access specialists in pediatric neurology and psychiatry. This medical response follows a visit to the victims by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka.

In Yogyakarta, the Education, Youth, and Sports Office (Disdikpora DIY) plans to survey schools that reject the program and evaluate the performance of Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG). The evaluation will focus on service quality, including delivery schedules and food safety to prevent further poisoning cases.

Meanwhile, the program has faced criticism regarding teacher workloads. A viral video highlighted a teacher's protest against instructions to smell or inspect meals before students eat, arguing that such tasks interfere with teaching duties and deviate from their professional roles.