Concerns Over Poisoning and Corruption Drive Islamic Boarding Schools in Central Java to Reject Free Nutritious Meal Programme
A number of Islamic boarding schools (ponpes) in Central Java Province have decided to reject the distribution of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme to their institutions. Concerns regarding a series of poisoning cases, as well as potential corruption in the programme’s implementation, are the primary reasons behind this decision.
Ponpes Tahfidzul Qur’an Istiqomah, located in the Cepogo District of Boyolali Regency, has decided to no longer accept MBG distributions. The boarding school operates under the auspices of the Istiqomah Aljamzury Foundation, which also manages an Islamic elementary school (MI) that has similarly halted MBG receipts.
The administrator of Ponpes Tahfidzul Qur’an Istiqomah, Maulana, revealed that the decision to stop receiving MBG was made on Saturday (12/09/2026). “This is a precautionary measure to remain vigilant. Especially since an unfortunate incident occurred recently in Selo. Consequently, the foundation announced that it will no longer accept MBG, covering both the boarding school and the elementary school,” Maulana said during an interview on Saturday (19/09/2026).
The Selo incident mentioned by Maulana refers to an alleged MBG poisoning case at SMPN 1 and SMPN 2 Selo, Boyolali, on 10 September 2026, where dozens of students experienced symptoms of poisoning.
According to Maulana, the number of students at the boarding school and the elementary school under the Istiqomah Aljamzury Foundation reaches hundreds. Specifically, Ponpes Tahfidzul Qur’an Istiqomah houses approximately 150 students. “As for the elementary school, I am not certain of the exact number, but it could be similar or slightly fewer, though still in the hundreds,” he added.
He explained that parents and guardians of the students are aware of the foundation’s decision to cease MBG receipts. According to Maulana, most of them do not oppose the foundation’s decision.
“At this time, there are only seven guardians who still wish for their children to continue receiving MBG,” he said.
Maulana further disclosed that the students of Ponpes Tahfidzul Qur’an Istiqomah attend at least four different schools, ranging from elementary (MI) to junior high (MTs) and senior high (MA) levels. Maulana stated that the administration will visit each school to notify them that their students will no longer be participating in the MBG programme.
“On Sunday night (13/09/2026), it was announced that the foundation would no longer accept MBG. We have informed all students that if they continue to receive it, they must bear the risks themselves,” Maulana concluded.