Free meals programme in Indonesia faces backlash after pupils allegedly punished for parents’ criticism

Indonesia’s flagship Free Nutritious Meals programme (Makan Bergizi Gratis, MBG) has come under renewed scrutiny after two schoolchildren in Lampung province were reportedly denied meals for several days following their parents’ criticism of the programme on social media.

The incident took place in Trimulyo Village, Tegineneng Subdistrict, Pesawaran Regency, and has triggered outrage among local legislators, who describe the case as discrimination against children and a serious abuse of authority by programme operators.

Meals reportedly cut after online criticism

The pupils involved are siblings: Alfan, a Year 6 student at MI Al-Fatah Islamic primary school, and Arsya, a kindergarten pupil at RA MA Arif 1. Both children are registered beneficiaries of the MBG programme, which provides free meals to students through local Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG).

According to the family, the children stopped receiving MBG meals for three consecutive days after their parents publicly complained on social media about the poor quality of food distributed by the SPPG kitchen in Trimulyo. The kitchen is operated by the Garanta Foundation, a local implementing partner of the programme.

The allegations quickly drew the attention of the Pesawaran Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), prompting an unannounced inspection by Commission IV of the council, accompanied by the DPRD’s First Deputy Chair, M. Nasir.

‘Unfit for consumption’

During visits to both schools attended by the children, the DPRD delegation found what it described as alarming conditions. Legislators reported that some MBG meals were unfit for consumption, including fruit that had already begun to rot.

“One of the findings that shocked us was the serving of rotten salak fruit to students,” Nasir said after the inspection. “This alone raises serious questions about food safety and supervision.”

Beyond food quality, the DPRD concluded that the two siblings had been subjected to discriminatory treatment following their parents’ criticism.

“This is clearly the impact of the parents’ complaints,” Nasir said. “If the kitchen felt aggrieved, it should have pursued legal channels, not sacrificed children. Their classmates receive meals; they do not. This affects them psychologically. This is cruel.”

Social criticism, not a punishable offence

Nasir stressed that the parents’ actions constituted legitimate public criticism and could not justify sanctions against children.

“We would be complicit if we stayed silent,” he said. “From our discussions, it is evident that the meal cut-off occurred after the parents’ social media posts about poor service went viral. These children have become victims.”

Commission IV of the DPRD concluded that the Trimulyo SPPG management had exceeded its authority and displayed what legislators described as an arrogant and intimidating attitude toward parents.

“There is a real risk of psychological harm,” Nasir added. “There have been attempts to intimidate parents and frighten them through misinterpretation of the law. This is no longer just an administrative issue — it has entered the legal domain.”

Calls for kitchen closure and legal action

On the basis of these findings, the DPRD demanded that the Trimulyo MBG kitchen be shut down immediately and replaced with a different operator.

“Today, I state that this kitchen is fit to be closed,” Nasir said. “I urge the relevant authorities to close it and replace it immediately. If not, there will be unrest. Village officials, schools — everyone is already fed up.”

The council also said it would escalate the case to higher levels of government, including the President, the provincial governor, the regent, and the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), which oversees MBG nationally.

“There are indications of legal violations related to intimidation and bullying that have affected children psychologically,” Nasir said. “This falls within the remit of law enforcement.”

Operator denies wrongdoing

The allegations were rejected by Dewi Ratih, the person in charge of the Trimulyo SPPG kitchen. She denied that the children had been deliberately excluded from the programme and said any decisions taken were based on guidance from central authorities.

“The situation is heated,” Dewi said. “I will come to the DPRD to explain everything in detail and bring evidence. MBG is distributed from the kitchen and is not always delivered directly to schools.”

She also claimed that the two children had continued to receive meals, including food originally allocated for underprivileged students.

“For those two children, they actually receive meals every day. I have evidence,” she said. “The only sanction was that for one budget cycle — one week — I did not submit a funding request.”

Dewi added that while her organisation accepted criticism, it would not remain silent if it felt defamed.

“If it is criticism or suggestions, we accept them,” she said. “But if it becomes slander, hate speech, or damages our reputation, we must defend ourselves.”

Programme resumes amid wider controversy

Responding to the DPRD’s demand to close the kitchen, Dewi said her team would coordinate further with both local legislators and the central BGN.

“I apologise to all parties for this polemic,” she said. “We will evaluate the programme, improve our performance, and accept criticism. As of today, distribution of MBG meals to the two children has resumed.”