Indonesia Bans Ultra-Processed Foods From Free Meal Program | Tempo.co

Indonesia Bans Ultra-Processed Foods From School Lunch Program Amid Safety Concerns

Jakarta – Indonesia’s National Nutrition Agency has issued a directive barring ultra-processed foods (UPF) from the menu of its flagship free nutritious meal (MBG) program, effective immediately. The move comes as the program, launched earlier this year as a key promise of President Prabowo Subianto’s administration, faces mounting criticism following widespread reports of food poisoning affecting thousands of schoolchildren.

The ban is detailed in Circular Letter No. 3 of 2026, concerning the implementation of the MBG program during Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, and Chinese New Year. According to the circular, beneficiaries will receive healthy food packages during Ramadan that specifically exclude products manufactured using ultra-processing techniques.

Ultra-processed foods are defined as those created through a series of industrial processes, often containing additives such as preservatives, colorants, and flavorings. These foods are typically designed to be ready-to-eat, have a long shelf life, and are easily distributed.

“Recommended menu options for packaged food include salted eggs, shredded meat floss, beef jerky, fruits, or other local specialty foods, as well as dates (optional), while still considering food safety, food quality, and nutritional standards according to the age group of the beneficiaries,” stated Head of the BGN, Dadan Hindayana, in a written statement on Saturday, February 14, 2026.

Hindayana also instructed MBG kitchens to avoid serving foods that spoil quickly, have a spicy flavor profile, or pose a potential risk of foodborne illness. The agency is prioritizing food safety and quality in the wake of recent incidents.

To streamline distribution, each beneficiary will receive two tote bags of different colors. This system is intended to facilitate identification and the exchange of bags on a daily basis. “SPPG (public kitchen) provides two tote bags for each beneficiary with different colors, for example blue and red, in order to differentiate between the tote bag previously used and the tote bag that will be exchanged the following day,” Hindayana explained.

The MBG program will temporarily suspend meal distribution during the Eid al-Fitr holiday and the joint leave period from March 18 to 24, 2026. During this time, beneficiaries will receive healthy, pre-packaged food bundles containing several days’ worth of meals. However, the agency has capped the amount of food distributed at a maximum of three days’ worth per beneficiary.

The decision to ban UPFs follows a series of alarming food poisoning outbreaks that have plagued the program since its inception in early 2025. Reports indicate that over 9,000 children across West Java, Central Java, and Banten were hospitalized in late September 2025 after consuming meals provided through the MBG program. A particularly severe outbreak occurred in Cipongkor, West Bandung, where more than 500 students fell ill in a single day.

Investigations revealed that none of the 85 MBG kitchens in the West Bandung district had obtained the necessary food safety certifications. Similar cases were subsequently reported in Cianjur, Garut, and Tasikmalaya, raising serious questions about the program’s oversight and implementation.

The program has faced criticism not only for safety concerns but also for its reliance on ultra-processed foods and a perceived lack of decentralized planning and community involvement. A study by Monash University Indonesia has recommended that the government urgently adopt a more decentralized approach, incorporating community participation and establishing effective grievance redress mechanisms.

Despite the challenges and calls for a halt to the program, President Subianto has reportedly ordered his staff to collect video clips of critics of the MBG program, according to recent reports. This action has further fueled concerns about political interference and transparency within the initiative.

The move to eliminate ultra-processed foods represents a significant shift in the program’s approach, signaling a response to growing public pressure and a commitment to prioritizing the health and safety of schoolchildren. However, the long-term success of the MBG program will depend on addressing the underlying issues of governance, oversight, and community engagement that have contributed to the recent crises.