“Resetting the MBG Program: Time for Quality Free Meals”

 What is the MBG Program?

The Free Nutritious Meals Program (MBG) is a national policy that aims to improve the nutrition of school children and reduce the incidence of stunting in Indonesia. However, despite its good intentions, the implementation of this program has actually created new problems in the field. With a budget of Rp 71 trillion in 2025 and an estimated increase to Rp 335 trillion, the public is questioning the efficiency of the use of these funds. Many parties believe that this program is being implemented too hastily without adequate preparation.

Problems in the Field: From Poisoning to Corruption

Thousands of children in various regions have reportedly suffered from food poisoning due to weak supervision and non-compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). In addition, corruption has become an additional problem in the field. Budget misuse also haunts the implementation of this program. Even Dr. Tan Shot Yen, M.Hum, highlighted the poor nutritional quality and inefficiency of MBG in a House of Representatives meeting.

Public perception of the MBG program 

On social media such as Twitter and Instagram, many netizens sarcastically highlight the MBG program. The public believes that government programs such as Free Nutritious Meals often fail to deliver tangible results and seem rushed. However, the public also feels that protests rarely bring about change. The #ResetIndonesia campaign is hoped to be a digital movement to educate the public to be more critical of government policies.