Jakarta Mothers Stage Picnic Protest Against Government's MBG Program

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Around Indonesian sixty women staged a symbolic picnic in front of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) building in Jakarta on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. They spread picnic mats and shared home-cooked meals of rice, meat, fruits, and vegetables, turning their lunch into a peaceful protest.

The event, organized by the women’s group Suara Ibu Peduli (Voice of Concerned Mothers), was held to oppose the government’s Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program. Protesters said the action was meant to show that families are capable of providing nutritious meals for their children without government intervention.

“It’s a picnic concept. A silent protest without speeches,” said Ika Ardina, one of the participants from Suara Ibu Peduli.

“We want to emphasize that families should be involved because a child’s nutrition is the responsibility of parents and the community.”

Criticism of the MBG Program

According to Ika, the MBG program has faced numerous problems since its implementation nearly a year ago, including poor-quality ingredients and cases of food poisoning linked to its menu. She described the program as “authoritarian” and ineffective.

“For almost a year, this top-down system has caused many issues — from children being poisoned to the use of substandard raw materials,” she said.

Ika urged the government to involve families more directly in the program’s design and implementation, such as by consulting them when determining the MBG menu.

“Today, we decided our own menu. Some brought fruits, rice, and snacks, including products from small and medium-sized businesses,” she said.

She added that the government should also engage other school-related parties, such as cafeteria vendors, and limit the military’s involvement in running the MBG program. “The military should only assist in underdeveloped and remote regions where their support is genuinely needed,” she noted.

Ika concluded by calling for the termination and full evaluation of the MBG program.

Nutrition Experts’ Recommendations Ignored

Another activist from Suara Ibu Peduli, Ririn Sefsani, emphasized that MBG meals should align with the Health Ministry’s balanced nutrition guideline, known as “My Plate Contents.” The proper ratio, she said, should consist of 50 percent staple foods and side dishes, and 50 percent fruits and vegetables.

“Nutrition service units should involve professionals such as nutritionists, pediatricians, and civil society organizations,” Ririn said.

She criticized the current MBG menus for ignoring expert recommendations and relying heavily on ultra-processed foods (UPF) like sausages, nuggets, and corned beef, items high in salt, saturated fats, and preservatives.

“These are far from the concept of nutritious meals promised by the program,” Ririn said, adding that many menus also include high-sugar milk products unsuitable for daily consumption.

Thousands of Children Affected

Attempts by Tempo to reach Nanik S. Deyang, Deputy Head of the National Nutrition Body (BGN), for comment were unsuccessful.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian Education Monitoring Network (JPPI) reported that as of October 12, 2025, 11,566 children had been affected by food poisoning incidents linked to the MBG project.

JPPI National Coordinator Ubaid Matraji said West Java recorded the highest number of cases at 4,125, followed by Central Java with 1,666, Yogyakarta with 1,053, East Java with 950, and East Nusa Tenggara with 800 cases.

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