MBG Watch Has Recorded 45,000 Poisoning Cases in MBG Programme

A member of MBG Watch, Galau D Muhammad, revealed that the group has recorded 45,000 cases of poisoning within the MBG programme so far. He emphasised that these issues require real solutions rather than mere ‘gimmicks’.

“As of today, our estimate is that there have been 45,000 poisoning cases across various regions in 36 provinces,” Galau stated during an interview on Thursday (10/09/2026).

According to Galau, no previous programme has had such a large and massive impact regarding poisoning incidents. “If the factors were merely incidental or case-specific, this should not be occurring in so many regions,” he said.

He explained that, as a civil society coalition, the data collection by MBG Watch is an independent initiative. “This is an initiative we have undertaken because we feel disappointed with the implementation and oversight processes of a programme as strategically significant as MBG,” he remarked.

In conducting their data collection, MBG Watch utilises networks across various regions. “This is also based on the solidarity of citizens who have been in communication. When we visit a region with a very concerning case of MBG poisoning, we act reactively,” said Galau.

He warned that the handling of MBG poisoning cases can no longer rely on ‘gimmicks’. In this regard, he highlighted comments from the Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) who previously suggested that one cause of poisoning was the lack of labels on MBG food containers. “From our perspective, that does not address the problem at all,” he said.

Furthermore, Galau criticised the BGN’s plan to use food spoilage detection tools to prevent poisoning cases. “This is simply another new procurement. What the BGN has prioritised so far is procurement after procurement, without providing solutions that actually address the problem,” he noted.

“The gimmicky solutions being released are perceived as being able to address the root of the problem,” Galau added.

Galau noted that in the 2027 Draft State Budget (RAPBN), the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), as the implementer of the MBG programme, received the largest budget allocation compared to other ministries and agencies, reaching Rp240 trillion. However, he assessed that the level of oversight and auditing for the BGN is actually the lowest.