Indonesia's Free Nutritious Meal program faces poisoning and corruption probes

Indonesia’s Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program is facing significant scrutiny due to widespread food poisoning incidents and a major corruption investigation. In Central Java, suspected poisoning cases have nearly reached 13,000 victims, leading to the suspension of several nutrition service units. In Surabaya, 172 medical specialist students (PPDS) from Universitas Airlangga experienced nausea, vomiting, and dizziness after consuming meal boxes during a training session at RSUD dr Soetomo. Hospital officials have sent food samples and rectal swabs to the police forensic lab, BPOM, and public health laboratories to determine the cause.

Simultaneously, the Attorney General's Office has moved to the prosecution stage in a corruption case involving the National Nutrition Agency (BGN). Six suspects, including former BGN Head Dadan Hindayana, are facing trial for alleged mismanagement of the MBG program between 2025 and 2026. The state losses are estimated at approximately Rp10 trillion.

In response to these challenges, the National Nutrition Agency has begun refining its target list, removing 1,653 educational institutions—such as international schools and wealthy private schools—to refocus resources on more needy regions and underprivileged groups. Meanwhile, local authorities in Padang are conducting pesticide residue testing on fresh ingredients to ensure food safety standards are met.