YLKI Urges Transparency in Free Nutritious Meals Programme

The Indonesian Consumers’ Foundation (YLKI) is pushing for reforms to the free nutritious meals (MBG) programme as part of its demands to address nine consumer protection issues. “This programme must not erode mandatory education spending allocations, so transparency and a sustainable financing scheme are required,” said YLKI Chair Niti Emiliana in a written statement on Monday, 20 April 2026. YLKI also urges a re-identification of beneficiaries to ensure targeting accuracy and budget efficiency. In addition, YLKI demands that the state guarantee food safety at every stage of the programme’s implementation, applying the principle of strict liability for every risk, including potential food poisoning. Without safety guarantees and accountability, YLKI fears the MBG could cause harm to consumers, particularly children as the most vulnerable group. Besides MBG, YLKI urges the government to systematically address eight other consumer protection issues, as they still face structural problems. YLKI demands reforms to Law No. 8 of 1999 on Consumer Protection. Niti explained that the regulation was born before the rapid development of the digital era, so it cannot address the complexities of modern transactions. For example, platform-based business models, such as e-commerce, fintech, or algorithm-based digital services. Reforms to the regulation, said Niti, must include strengthening the responsibilities of digital business actors, clarifying proof mechanisms in electronic transactions, regulating standard digital contracts, and more stringent and effective sanctions. Without regulatory updates, Niti assesses that consumers will continue to be in a vulnerable position facing business innovations not matched by legal protections. Niti also highlighted the proliferation of digital-based fraud as one of the most serious threats to consumers today. She said that based on YLKI data, the financial services sector has consistently been among the top five complaints over the past five years. The majority of cases involve fraud, account breaches, and misuse of personal data. This phenomenon shows a link between weak personal data protection and the rise in digital crimes, including those affiliated with e-commerce platforms. Therefore, Niti urges the effective implementation of the Personal Data Protection Law, accompanied by strict supervision, firm law enforcement, and increased responsibility of digital platforms in protecting consumer data. Another consumer protection issue is the digitalisation of consumer dispute resolution. YLKI encourages transforming the complaint and dispute resolution system towards digital through the development of a nationally integrated online dispute resolution (ODR) mechanism. The system must reach down to the village level. The goal is for all consumers, including those in remote areas, to access complaint services easily, quickly, and affordably. According to Niti, digitalisation will facilitate the government in monitoring and evaluating business actors’ compliance levels. YLKI also urges transparency and public involvement in decision-making processes for raising service tariffs in strategic sectors such as transportation, energy, and drinking water. According to Niti, besides fiscal and business interests, public policy must be oriented towards justice and consumer protection. The next issue is strengthening consumer protection institutions. Niti assesses that the Consumer Dispute Settlement Agency needs executor authority and strengthening the role of the National Consumer Protection Agency in policy formulation. YLKI also encourages the selection process for National Consumer Protection Agency members to ensure inclusivity principles (GEDSI) and open greater space for the younger generation. The aim is for consumer protection perspectives to be increasingly relevant to contemporary developments. In addition, YLKI believes consumer protection cannot rely solely on a regulatory approach. YLKI sees the need for a structured and sustainable social movement that can drive widespread critical consumer awareness. Because, according to YLKI, smart and critical consumers are the main foundation in creating a fair and sustainable market. That movement must reach grassroots levels at RT/RW and villages through education, public campaigns, and community empowerment. The next demand is strengthening supervision of business actors and firm law enforcement against advertising practices that harm consumers. This is based on YLKI’s notes on the increase in misleading advertisements, from cosmetic product overclaims, bogus investments, to promotions of addictive products targeting vulnerable groups, including children. For that, an evaluation of global corporations’ compliance with national regulations is also needed, including the Government Regulation on Electronic System Governance in Child Protection, to ensure optimal protection for consumers, especially children. YLKI also emphasises that access to health services and protection from risky products is a basic right of consumers that must be guaranteed by the state. For that, YLKI urges the acceleration of reactivating non-active BPJS PBI participants so that no vulnerable people lose access to health services. On the other hand, YLKI encourages the state to strengthen control over products that endanger health, including addictive products and high-sugar, salt, and fat foods through strict regulations, advertising restrictions, and effective supervision.