As of Oct. 12, 2025, the number of students affected by food poisoning linked to the Free Nutritious Meals (Makan Bergizi Gratis/MBG) program has reached 11,566 cases, according to the Indonesian Education Monitoring Network (JPPI). Most recently, around 426 students at SMAN 1 Yogyakarta were reported ill on Thursday (Oct. 16). These figures raise deep concern, far from the program’s noble aim of ensuring adequate nutrition for school children.
Professor Dafri from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Fisipol UGM), noted that while the MBG initiative aligns with the fundamental principles of human rights to guarantee children’s basic nutritional needs, its implementation has exposed governance and readiness issues.
“This problem cannot be viewed simply as a failure of the idea itself, but rather as a weakness in management and implementation. In a country where many families and children still lack access to nutritious food, the state’s role in closing that gap remains essential,” said Professor Dafri on Thursday (Oct. 23).
He emphasized that strategic policies, such as MBG, should be developed based on thorough studies that consider health, cultural, and social distribution aspects. Ideally, such large-scale initiatives must be supported by comprehensive data and research, rather than rushed decisions.
“Moreover, Indonesia’s social and environmental contexts differ greatly from those of countries that serve as references for similar programs,” he explained.
From a human rights perspective, Professor Dafri stated that Indonesia already has a legal framework in place that guarantees the state’s responsibility to uphold human rights.
However, he added, violations often occur, either through deliberate action or negligence.
Regarding the MBG poisoning incidents, he argued that the issue stems not from the program’s core concept but from its technical execution. He emphasized the importance of applying substantive justice, rather than merely procedural justice, in the implementation of programs.
“The state currently applies a procedural approach that treats all children equally, without distinguishing their varying nutritional needs,” he said.
According to Professor Dafri, the program should focus on achieving substantive justice by prioritizing students who truly need assistance.
“Some children from well-off families can already meet their nutritional needs beyond what the program provides. It is the vulnerable children who should be prioritized,” he added.
Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of addressing the issue comprehensively, taking into account factors such as water quality, sanitation, and community lifestyle. He also expressed doubt about whether the allocated budget per meal portion is sufficient to ensure food quality and safety.
In light of the thousands affected by food poisoning, Professor Dafri called on the government to conduct a thorough evaluation of the MBG program. He also warned that victims may suffer not only physical effects but also psychological trauma from the incident.
He suggested that a temporary suspension of the program could be a reasonable step to review food preparation procedures, ingredient standards, and quality control mechanisms in the field.
“We cannot turn a blind eye. Even two or three victims should already serve as a serious warning, as this concerns human lives,” he asserted.
Author: Hanifah
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Photograph: Antara