Indonesia's free nutrition program serves over 57 million people

Indonesia's Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) initiative has provided food to more than 57 million individuals as of September 30, covering students, pregnant women, nursing mothers and young children. The effort operates via 27,486 Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units spread across the country's 38 provinces. Authorities have temporarily closed 1,276 kitchens that failed to obtain hygiene and sanitation certification, aiming to raise food-safety standards.

Budgetary outlays for the program total Rp153.2 trillion, roughly 66.9 percent of the Rp229 trillion allocation. Recent expansions include nine new service units in Natuna, Riau Islands, bringing the district's count to 14, though they have yet to start serving. A buffet-style meal pilot, launched in early 2025, is being tested in several regions with a goal of 5,000 units adopting the format by the end of 2026.