Free Meal Program Fears Child Intimidation, Says Minister
- Indonesia's Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection, Arifah Fauzi, firmly stated that the free nutritious meal program (MBG) should not be withheld from students as a form...
- The makanan Bergizi Gratis (MBG), or Free Nutritious Meal program, is a national initiative designed to improve the nutritional status of Indonesian schoolchildren.
- The program was officially launched in January 2024, with an initial budget of IDR 6.2 trillion (approximately $387 million USD as of January 26, 2026) to cover meals...
Indonesia’s Free School Meal Program Must Not Be Used for Punishment, Minister Says
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Indonesia’s Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, Arifah Fauzi, firmly stated that the free nutritious meal program (MBG) should not be withheld from students as a form of punishment or intimidation, following reports of children being denied benefits due to parental criticism of the program’s administration. The minister emphasized that access to the MBG program is a fundamental right for all children.
What is the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG)?
The makanan Bergizi Gratis (MBG), or Free Nutritious Meal program, is a national initiative designed to improve the nutritional status of Indonesian schoolchildren. It aims to provide at least one nutritious meal per day to students,especially those from low-income families,to combat stunting and improve overall health and cognitive growth. The program is overseen by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology.
The program was officially launched in January 2024, with an initial budget of IDR 6.2 trillion (approximately $387 million USD as of January 26, 2026) to cover meals for over 18 million students across the country. Data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS) indicates that 25.91 million people (9.36% of the population) lived below the poverty line in September 2023,highlighting the need for such programs.
Reports of Withheld Benefits and the Minister’s Response
Recent reports surfaced alleging that students in certain schools were denied MBG allowances after their parents voiced concerns about the program’s implementation, including issues with meal quality and distribution. Minister Arifah Fauzi responded swiftly, stating that withholding the MBG is a violation of children’s rights. She stressed that adequate nutrition is a basic right, not a reward or punishment.
“Every child has the right to adequate nutrition and this right should not be revoked under any circumstances,” Arifah stated in an official statement published by Kompas on January 25, 2024. She directed regional governments and school administrators to ensure the program is implemented fairly and without discrimination.
Legal Framework Protecting Children’s Rights
The Indonesian government’s stance on protecting children’s rights to nutrition is supported by several legal frameworks. Law No. 35 of 2014 concerning Child Protection guarantees the right of every child to adequate nutrition, health care, and education. Article 19 of the law specifically mandates the state to ensure access to nutritious food for children.
Furthermore, Indonesia is a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which affirms the right of every child to an adequate standard of living, including access to nutritious food. Violations of these rights can be subject to legal repercussions under Indonesian law.