Indonesia Refines Free Nutritious Meal Program Amid Oversight Push

President Prabowo Subianto urged all levels of local government – governors, regents, mayors, sub‑district heads and village heads – to monitor the kitchens of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program to prevent misuse and ensure quality for child beneficiaries. He stressed that the program is strategic for building a healthy generation, saying, “I do not want to see children hungry.”

The government is revising the MBG scheme to better target those in need. National Nutrition Agency head Nanik S. Deyang announced that children from well‑off families will no longer be eligible, describing the change as “refocusing.” Education Minister Abdul Mu’ti highlighted the role of school canteens in distribution, while Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadew affirmed ongoing evaluation of the program and its fiscal sustainability.