Indonesia says student hunger falls to around 16 per cent
The free meal programme had reached 57 million beneficiaries by September 30, 2026, while authorities have tightened kitchen safety oversight.
Around 16 per cent of Indonesian students attend school hungry following the rollout of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme, compared with over 56 per cent beforehand, National Nutrition Agency (BGN) spokesperson Tysa Novenny said.
Novenny said the share feeling full during their studies had increased to 84 per cent from 43 per cent. She also reported fruit consumption at 84 per cent, against 26 per cent previously, and protein intake at nearly 80 per cent, up from between 30 and 40 per cent.
The programme served 57 million beneficiaries through 27,486 Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) as of September 30, 2026. Expenditure by that date totalled Rp153.2 trillion, or about 66.9 per cent of its Rp229 trillion budget ceiling.
As it expands coverage, BGN has temporarily halted operations at 1,276 SPPGs lacking a Hygiene and Sanitation Fitness Certificate (SLHS). The agency has also told all participating food-supply units to link kitchen CCTV feeds with its central system so it can monitor compliance with standard operating procedures in real time, Novenny said.
A buffet-style version of the meal service is being piloted at 66 locations, according to Novenny. She said the government hopes MBG will contribute to meeting the national child stunting target of 18 per cent in 2026 and eventually achieving a zero-percent rate.
The government's coverage target for 2027 is 72.4 million beneficiaries. Those eligible include students as well as pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and toddlers.
