Why Do Tens of Millions of Students Want the Free Meal Program Continued?

The Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) has become a focal point of public discussion in Indonesia, with Education Minister Abdul Mu'ti reporting that approximately 43 million students nationwide benefit from it. A significant majority of these students desire the program's continuation, citing tangible improvements in school attendance, learning motivation, and academic achievement.

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around 43 million students in Indonesia receive the benefits of the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG). And, the majority of them want this program to continue.

A survey conducted by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) between mid-to-late 2025 revealed that MBG positively impacts concentration by reducing hunger and improving student focus. Further bolstering support, a January 2026 Indikator Politik survey showed 72.8 percent public satisfaction, with Gen Z expressing the strongest approval at 80.7 percent. A Poltracking Indonesia survey from May 11-17, 2026, indicated that 51.9 percent of the public wants the MBG to continue.

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MBG has a positive impact in reducing concentration gangguan due to hunger and improving student focus.

These statistics highlight a critical humanitarian need: basic food security for Indonesian children requires serious government attention. When a nutrition program receives such overwhelming support from students, it underscores schools' evolving role as not just educational institutions but also providers of social protection and essential life support. This aligns with Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs, where physiological requirements like food must be met before higher-level learning and achievement can occur.

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72.8 percent of the public is satisfied with the MBG program, with the strongest support from Gen Z (80.7 percent).

For children from low-income families, a nutritious meal at school guarantees daily sustenance, offering not just relief from hunger but also a sense of security and peace of mind during the school day. Global research, including reports from the World Food Programme (2024) and UNESCO (2025), confirms the effectiveness of school feeding programs in boosting attendance, concentration, and learning outcomes. Domestic studies also show a positive correlation between MBG and improved student focus and attendance, with potential benefits in reducing stunting rates.

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51.9 percent of the public wants the MBG program to continue.