Indonesia's MBG Program Draws Protests Amid Payment Allegations

Demonstrations supporting the free nutritious‑meal (MBG) program, a flagship initiative of President Prabowo Subianto, were held in Bandar Lampung and at the National Monument area in Jakarta on June 22, 2026. Participants wore white garments, many carrying cooking utensils, and marched to voice backing for the program and to urge its continuation.

In Lampung, organizers from the Aliansi Masyarakat Lampung Mendukung Makan Bergizi Gratis highlighted the program's benefits for local farmers and child development, citing increased demand for regional crops. In Jakarta, the Jakarta Community Alliance reported that some demonstrators received cash payments ranging from 50,000 to 100,000 rupiah to attend, with the amounts varying among participants. While a few claimed they were paid, others, including a father of a child benefitting from MBG, said they joined without any financial incentive. Kitchen staff from the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit also took part voluntarily.

The rallies concluded in the evening, with some attendees lingering to await promised cash distributions. The events illustrate both popular support for the MBG scheme and emerging concerns about the use of monetary incentives to mobilize demonstrators.