The Indonesian Ombudsman has highlighted eight major issues in the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program, based on a rapid assessment study to prevent maladministration.

Ombudsman member Yeka Hendra Fatika outlined the problems during a press conference on Tuesday, September 30, 2025:

● A significant gap between program targets and actual realization;

● Numerous cases of mass food poisoning across different regions;

● Lack of transparency in selecting foundation partners and SPPG, raising potential conflicts of interest;

● Limited human resources, including delayed honorarium payments and increased workload for teachers and volunteers;

● Poor quality of raw food ingredients due to the absence of strict quality standards;

● Inconsistent application of food standards;

● Disorganized food distribution that still burdens schoolteachers;

● A fragmented monitoring system that remains reactive and not fully data-driven.

“These eight problems pose risks that could reduce public trust. Quick, measurable, and transparent improvements are urgently needed to keep the program’s objectives on track,” Yeka said, stressing that MBG program must not become a source of public anger.

The Ombudsman also identified four potential maladministration risks within the program: prolonged delays, discrimination, weak competency in applying SOPs, and procedural deviations.

“The principles of public service − certainty, accountability, and transparency − must be upheld consistently, as mandated by Law No. 25/2009,” Yeka added.

Rising food poisoning cases

According to Ombudsman data, 34 extraordinary cases of mass food poisoning linked to the MBG program occurred between January and September 2025, affecting thousands of students nationwide. Reported incidents include:

● 657 students poisoned after consuming lunch boxes in Garut, West Java;

● 497 students poisoned in Kulonprogo, Yogyakarta due to improperly prepared meals;

● 1,333 students required medical treatment after eating late-distributed, unhygienic food;

● 539 students fell ill in Lebong, Bengkulu;

● Hundreds of students in Banggai Islands, Central Sulawesi were poisoned;

● More than 200 students in Bogor, West Java, fell sick after eating spoiled skipjack tuna;

● Dozens of students in Bangka Belitung suffered food poisoning due to delayed and spoiled meal distribution.

“These series of incidents are deeply concerning. It should serve as a momentum to strengthen food safety standards, enforce stricter discipline in food distribution, and implement a more robust monitoring system,” Yeka said.