Over 5,360 Cases of MBG Poisoning Reported by September 2025

The Free Nutritious Food Program (MBG), launched in early 2025, has presented several risks. This priority program of President Prabowo Subianto has resulted in numerous poisoning cases.

Data compiled by the Institute for Development of Economics and Finance (INDEF) shows that MBG poisoning cases exceeded 4,000 from its launch until August 2025. This data was processed by INDEF from various sources.

The Indonesian Education Monitoring Network (JPPI) also collected data, showing a surge in poisoning cases to 5,360 by September 2025. JPPI stated that the actual number is likely higher, as many schools and local governments have opted to conceal cases.

Both institutions are calling for the MBG program to be halted and for the government to conduct a comprehensive evaluation.

"The 2026 education and health budget is being significantly depleted by the MBG, amidst the national deficit. Governance is rife with controversy: mark-ups, fictitious kitchens, poor food quality, and weak oversight," said Izzudin Al Farras, Head of INDEF's Center of Digital Economy & SMEs (CODES), in a statement on INDEF's official account on Sunday, September 21, 2025.

JPPI also assessed that these poisoning cases indicate systemic errors and failures in governance coordinated by the National Nutrition Agency (BGN).

JPPI's National Coordinator, Ubaid Matraji, expressed deep concern over these cases, as many children had to be rushed to hospitals, with some in critical condition. Ubaid stated that the MBG tragedy should be declared a national humanitarian emergency.

“The President and the BGN must not trifle with the lives of the nation's children. If this program truly prioritizes children, stop it now before more victims fall,” said Ubaid in a written statement on Friday, September 18, 2025.