Jakarta, March 19, 2026 – The Europe Today: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has announced the temporary suspension of more than 1,000 kitchens operating under the country’s Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program, as authorities move to strengthen food safety, hygiene, and service quality nationwide.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the president said the decision aims to ensure that all participating facilities strictly comply with established standards for nutrition, sanitation, and safe food handling.
“I checked directly. I called the head of the National Nutrition Agency and continue to cross-check,” Prabowo said during a meeting with journalists and experts at his residence in Bogor, West Java.
The move follows field inspections and public feedback that identified shortcomings in the program’s implementation, prompting the government to take corrective measures.
Emphasizing the importance of accountability, President Prabowo said criticism of the initiative is being treated as constructive input to improve its effectiveness, particularly given its role in enhancing children’s nutrition and supporting long-term human capital development.
“We have suspended 1,030 units. What we are doing now is certification,” he stated, warning operators that kitchens must meet strict hygiene and safety requirements to resume operations.
The suspended facilities, known as Nutritional Fulfillment Service Units (SPPGs), will remain closed until they successfully complete certification processes covering food safety protocols, water quality standards, and standardized food preparation procedures.
