Indonesia's Free Nutritious Meal program shows impact amid social criticism

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) reports significant progress in the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program, noting that the percentage of students attending school hungry has dropped from over 56% to approximately 16%. Additionally, student fruit and protein consumption has seen substantial increases. To improve service quality, the BGN is evaluating a buffet-style delivery system and aims to expand this pilot to 5,000 locations by the end of 2026.

While supporters, including figures from Nahdlatul Ulama, highlight the program's ability to improve nutrition for students and stimulate rural economies by involving local farmers and livestock breeders, the initiative faces criticism. During demonstrations in Jakarta, protesters argued that the program does not address the root causes of social inequality, such as unemployment and economic instability. They emphasized that providing free meals is insufficient if families lack the steady income required to afford food for other meals.