Prabowo Orders Overhaul of Free Meal Program After 5,626 Poisoning Cases
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JAKARTA, Investortrust.id — President Prabowo Subianto has ordered a comprehensive overhaul of Indonesia’s free meal program after food poisoning cases sickened more than 5,600 students across 16 provinces.
Prabowo convened a cabinet meeting at his residence on Jalan Kertanegara, Jakarta, on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025, shortly after returning from an overseas trip. The president instructed ministers to strengthen food safety standards in the Free Nutritious Meal, or MBG program, which distributes daily meals to schoolchildren.
State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi said Prabowo emphasized that the safety of students must be the government’s top priority. “The president immediately gave directions for improvements, and today a meeting was chaired by the Coordinating Minister for Food at the Ministry of Health. The most important thing is the safety of our children,” Prasetyo told reporters after the meeting.
Prasetyo explained that Prabowo’s instructions were unusually detailed and technical, covering issues such as procedural discipline in food preparation and the cleanliness of water used in meal distribution centers known as nutrition fulfillment service unit (SPPG). “The president has been very specific, even on matters of hygiene, particularly concerning water quality,” he said.
The directive followed laboratory findings that bacteria in contaminated food were the main cause of recent outbreaks. Prabowo reminded ministries and agencies that strict adherence to cooking procedures at every MBG kitchen is critical.
The scale of the crisis has drawn scrutiny from lawmakers. Netty Prasetiyani, a member of House of Representatives's Commission IX, which oversees health, labor, and social benefits, urged the government to conduct a thorough evaluation to ensure the program achieves its goal of improving student nutrition without compromising health.
“Cases like these must be a matter of serious attention and comprehensive evaluation, so that this program with noble objectives truly benefits our children,” Netty said in a statement on Monday, Sept. 26, 2025.
A report by the Center for Indonesia’s Strategic Development Initiatives (CISDI) recorded 5,626 food poisoning cases linked to MBG meals in 16 provinces, with West Java reporting the highest number at 2,051 cases. Netty called the figure alarming and pressed for immediate preventive measures.
She stressed that food safety standards must be tightened at every stage, from procurement of raw materials to cooking and distribution in schools. “Hygiene and safety procedures must be a priority, so that every child is guaranteed healthy and safe food,” she said.
Netty also called for stronger coordination among the Ministry of Health, the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM), local education offices, and regional governments to speed investigations and reinforce oversight systems. In her view, cross-sector collaboration is key to preventing further incidents.
Beyond government action, Netty highlighted the role of schools and parents in monitoring food quality. “Transparency will build public trust and encourage community participation in sustaining the program,” she said.
Despite her criticism, Netty supported continuing the MBG program with major reforms. She urged all parties to treat the crisis as an opportunity to strengthen the program so it can truly serve as an instrument for improving child nutrition and health.