Minister: 43 Million Students Want Free Nutritious Meals Programme to Continue

Jakarta – Minister of Primary and Secondary Education (Mendikdasmen) Abdul Mu’ti stated that the majority of students benefiting from the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme want it to continue. He noted that the programme is part of the ‘7 Great Indonesian Habits’ initiative launched by his ministry. “We are making MBG part of strengthening character education,” Abdul Mu’ti told reporters at the Presidential Palace complex in Central Jakarta on Friday, 12 June 2026. He explained that research from the University of Indonesia (UI) and other institutions has shown the programme’s positive impact, particularly on increasing children’s learning motivation. “We have published the modules, and there is research from UI and other institutions showing the positive impact of MBG on improving learning motivation, school attendance, and academic achievement,” he said. Abdul Mu’ti further noted that as of 10 June 2026, 80.7 per cent of targeted students had received MBG. “As of 10 June, 80.7 per cent of students have received MBG. So out of 53 million-plus, 43 million-plus have received MBG, and they are asking for the programme to continue because the impact is very positive, both in terms of school attendance and in terms of learning motivation and academic achievement,” he concluded.