Role of military, police in Indonesia's free meal scheme under scrutiny amid food poisoning cases

The involvement of the military and police in Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s flagship free nutritious meal programme has come under scrutiny as it faces a food poisoning crisis and struggles to meet national targets, prompting critics to call for a complete overhaul.

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Protesters holding placards outside the National Nutrition Agency building in Jakarta during a rally on Oct 15 demanding an end to the government's free nutritious meal programme, or MBG, following cases of food poisoning in schools. PHOTO: REUTERS

(REUTERS)

Since the programme’s roll-out in January, it has encountered multiple setbacks, including widespread food poisoning incidents affecting more than 11,000 children nationwide, according to the nongovernmental organisation Network for Education Watch Indonesia (JPPI).

The surge in cases had prompted a peaceful protest earlier this week in Jakarta, outside the headquarters of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), which oversees the free meal programme.

Mothers participating in the protest, organised under the Indonesian Mothers Alliance, demanded an immediate suspension of the programme, describing it as a “health crisis” that jeopardises children’s well-being.

A central point of concern for protesters is the involvement of police and military personnel in food preparation and distribution despite their lack of expertise in nutrition and food safety.

“(The programme) should involve nutrition experts and paediatricians,” said Ms Ririn Safsani, a spokeswoman for the protesters, as others held posters reading “Stop free meals! Prioritise quality, safety and children’s dignity” and “Stop free meals! Food should be managed by civilians, not the military or police”.