Indonesia Suspends 1,030 Free Meal Kitchens Over Safety Concerns

TheIndonesia.co - President of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto has taken firm action to ensure the quality of the Free Nutritious Meals Programme (MBG). A total of 1,030 kitchens under the Nutritional Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG) have been temporarily suspended after failing to meet government standards for food quality and safety.

The large-scale evaluation followed Prabowo’s direct inspections, as well as public feedback regarding the programme’s implementation on the ground.

He stressed that he has been closely monitoring the National Nutrition Agency (BGN).
“I personally checked. I summoned the head of BGN and continue to cross-check,” Prabowo said during a Q&A session with journalists and experts at his residence in Hambalang, Bogor, broadcast on Thursday (19 March 2026).

Prabowo explained that out of tens of thousands of kitchens in operation, more than a thousand had to be temporarily closed for improvements. The monitoring process is being carried out intensively by a special team under his direction.

“I’ve sent my own people to inspect. If I’m not mistaken, out of tens of thousands of kitchens, we have shut down more than a thousand,” he added.

He also highlighted the role of BGN Deputy Head Nanik S. Deyang, who has been actively conducting surprise inspections to ensure food quality for children is maintained.

“More than a thousand. I have a deputy, Mrs Nanik — she’s very strict. She keeps conducting inspections. The number suspended is 1,030,” the President said.

As a long-term solution, the government is introducing a strict certification system for all MBG kitchen operators. The standards will cover water quality, food safety, and the cleanliness of utensils used in food preparation.

“What we are doing now is certification. If your kitchen wants to continue operating beyond a certain period, it must pass hygiene certification and food safety certification. Water quality must be checked — whether it is safe, how it is treated — as well as food containers. Everything has clear criteria. If it fails, it will be shut down,” Prabowo emphasised.

In addition to internal oversight, the President has also opened the door for public participation as independent monitors. Schools, parents, and local communities are encouraged to report any poor service.

“Anyone can check. School principals, parents, and local residents are free to come in and file complaints,” he said.

In closing, Prabowo underlined the importance of honesty in reporting government programmes. He called for full transparency and rejected the culture of presenting only favourable reports.

“Reports that only highlight the good things are not healthy. We must be brave enough to face reality,” he concluded.