Widespread MBG Poisoning Cases, Public's Hopes for the Government

The report from the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) as of September 30, 2025, shows that more than 6,467 people suffered food poisoning due to the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program.

Nevertheless, the Head of BGN, Dadan Hidayana, stated that President Prabowo's priority program would continue with strengthened evaluation and governance improvements.

"I am still ordered by President [Prabowo Subianto] to accelerate the MBG program because many parents are still waiting to receive MBG. Apart from that order, I will continue to implement it unless the President issues another directive," Dadan said in his statement, as reported by Antaranews, Thursday (October 2, 2025).

In line with this, Populix recorded public opinion regarding what the government should do to improve the MBG program.

The majority, or 56% of respondents, hope the government can improve the quality of MBG meals.

Other suggested actions include involving parents and the community as supervisors (15%), temporarily halting the MBG program (14%), and strengthening the distribution system (9%).

Meanwhile, 6% of respondents believe the government needs to impose stricter sanctions on distributors and producers.

This Populix survey was conducted online via the PopPoll application from October 2-5, 2025, involving 3,393 respondents.