Speaking in Bekasi, West Java, Prabowo said the government is investigating the cases and responding seriously, even though the health issues may stem from other causes.
He ordered all officials and partners involved in the program to strengthen hygiene standards and improve food-handling procedures.
“There must be absolutely no deviation,” he said, adding that preparations must be tighter, and monitoring must be stricter. Equipment for cleaning lunch boxes, water filtration, and other supporting tools must be ready.
Related news: Indonesia to boost protein production in 2026 to support MBG: minister
President Prabowo said the program’s benefits are already being felt nationwide and will become clearer as field implementation improves.
The MBG program has reached 44 million beneficiaries in less than a year — surpassing a similar initiative in Brazil, which took 11 years to reach 40 million people.
The Indonesian government aims to expand coverage to 82.9 million recipients.
Launched on Jan. 6, 2025, the MBG program is one of Prabowo’s flagship policies and targets children under five, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and students through high school.
Related news: BGN seeks acceleration of hygiene certification for MBG kitchens
Translator: Andi Firdaus, Raka Adji
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
