Indonesia’s free school meals program draws nationwide protests and political support

Governor Muhammad Bobby Nasution met a crowd of supporters of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program in Medan on 19 June, praised its benefits for children and pledged to forward the petition presented by the LMP MBG group to President Prabowo Subianto. He warned any reforms must not jeopardise children’s nutrition.

In Jakarta, the Aliansi Masyarakat Jakarta announced a peaceful long‑march and rally on 22 June at Monas, expecting around 50 000 participants. Coordinator Edy/​Edi Marzuki said the march will start from the U.S. Embassy and seek continuation of MBG, as well as support for anti‑corruption measures.

In Batam, about 100 schools – students, teachers and parents – took part in a walk‑about on 21 June to voice support for the program after a temporary suspension, with education officials confirming the community’s reliance on MBG to combat stunting.

The Association of Entrepreneurs and Managers of Free Nutritious Meals Kitchens (APPMBGI) also endorsed the government’s evaluation and temporary moratorium, urging improvements in transparency, funding mechanisms and food‑safety standards, stressing the program’s strategic importance for Indonesia’s human‑resource development.