Indonesia's Free School Meal Program Faces Cost Overrun and Public Criticism

Education Minister Abdul Mu'ti mistakenly announced that 43 million teachers wanted the free school meal (MBG) program, later correcting it to refer to 43 million students. The slip sparked widespread jokes and criticism on social media.

Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan (Zulhas) warned that the number of MBG service points (SPPG) has swelled from the planned 21,000 to 27,877 nationwide, and from 2,000 to 8,617 in remote 3T regions. He said the excess 6,877 points could cost the state over Rp 1 trillion each month, or about Rp 12 trillion annually. The government will conduct a rapid, month‑long review and re‑organise the program’s data to improve efficiency.