President Prabowo Subianto has pledged to resolve the poisoning cases linked to the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program, which have affected thousands of students across Indonesia. He also warned against turning the issue into a political tool.

Speaking at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in Jakarta on Saturday, September 27, 2025 Prabowo responded to media questions about the surge in MBG-related poisoning cases.

“We must remain vigilant so this [MBG] is not politicized,” Prabowo said in a statement broadcast on the Presidential Secretariat’s YouTube channel.

Prabowo added that he had been monitoring the cases while abroad and would immediately summon relevant officials to address the problem.

“After this, I will call the Head of BGN and several officials to discuss the matter,” he said.

He emphasized that the MBG program is vital for underprivileged children and must continue despite the challenges.

“Some children can only afford to eat rice and salt. That’s why this [poisoning issue] must be resolved. There will always be obstacles, but we will overcome them,” Prabowo said.

According to the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), 5,914 MBG recipients have experienced food poisoning between January and September 25 across 70 locations. The victims include schoolchildren and pregnant women. The highest concentration of cases was recorded in Java (Region II), with 41 incidents involving 3,610 people.

BGN has urged the nutritional service providers (SPPG), or kitchens, to secure Hygiene and Sanitation Feasibility Certificates (SLHS) from the Ministry of Health no later than next month.

“We are giving one month to complete the SLHS, halal certification, and ensure the use of safe water,” BGN Deputy Head Nanik S. Deyang told a press conference in Jakarta on Friday, September 26, 2025.