Indonesia's Free School Meal Program MBG Under Scrutiny After Protest and Court Testimony

In Pamekasan, East Java, a coalition of partners, volunteers and supporters of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program staged a demonstration outside the regional council building, urging the government to keep the scheme running. Protesters called for better transparency, accountability and coordination, noting that MBG provides both meals for children and employment for local food providers and volunteers. Local officials, including the regent and members of the council, met the demonstrators.

Separately, the Constitutional Court in Jakarta heard testimony from Ari Purnama, head of SMP Negeri 34 Bekasi, regarding the placement of MBG in the 2026 state budget. He reported that the program improved student focus and attendance, with 1,069 pupils benefiting, and affirmed that salaries for civil servants, PPPK employees and contract teachers remain unaffected. The hearing is part of a broader legal review of the 2025 budget law that includes MBG funding.