Indonesian Parliament Investigates Student Mobilization for Meal Program Support in Batam

Indonesia's House of Representatives (DPR) Commission X is probing allegations that students in Batam were mobilized to participate in a rally supporting the government's free nutritious meal (MBG) program. Deputy Chairman Lalu Hadrian Irfani has formally requested the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education to investigate the matter, stressing that such actions should not interfere with the students' education.

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We asked them to investigate the truth of the news. In principle, such movements should not affect the teaching and learning process.

"We asked them to investigate the truth of the news. In principle, such movements should not affect the teaching and learning process," Lalu stated on Wednesday in Jakarta. He added that the news also surprised the ministry, which then coordinated with the Batam City Education Office and the Riau Islands Provincial Government. The politician from the National Awakening Party (PKB) believes students should not be involved in protests or support rallies, as it disrupts their schooling. He suggested that aspirations should be conveyed through teachers or school principals to the local education office instead.

Reports indicate that hundreds of elementary and junior high school students in Batam participated in a parade on Sunday, June 21, 2026, to support the MBG program. They carried banners and posters endorsing President Prabowo Subianto's initiative, with some students in uniform. The rally featured speeches from a command car, resembling a demonstration. A teacher, who wished to remain anonymous, mentioned that invitations were spread via WhatsApp group chats, and they felt compelled to attend as the event was on a Sunday.

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We do not want these students to take to the streets. It is sufficient to convey it through the school.

Batam City Education Office Head Hendri Arulan confirmed the mobilization of teachers and students for the MBG support rally. He explained that the action was initiated due to numerous parental complaints about the MBG program stalling because of funding issues. Hendri stated that the rally was a way to convey input to the DPRD to be forwarded to the central government, highlighting the program's benefits. He did not directly address teachers' concerns about attending, asserting that participation was voluntary and invitations were for those willing to join.

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This (rally supporting MBG) is what we should do, we convey input to our colleagues in the DPRD to be conveyed to the central government, that this MBG program is good.