Student dies after choking on longan seed from free meal program in Lampung Tengah

A third-grade student at SDN 03 Poncowarno in Lampung Tengah, Indonesia, died after choking on a longan seed from a free nutritious meal (Makan Bergizi Gratis/MBG) provided by the school program. The incident occurred on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, when the 9-year-old student was reportedly eating while playing and running with classmates.

Despite attempts by school staff to provide assistance, the student could not clear the obstruction and passed away. The Indonesian Education Monitoring Network (JPPI) has condemned the incident, calling it a fatal oversight regarding child safety. JPPI is urging legal action against the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) and the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG), arguing that the program lacks necessary safety protocols and physical hazard mitigation for the millions of children it serves.