Indonesia’s government has been running the Free Nutritious Meals Program, known locally as Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG), as a national initiative to improve nutrition among children and other vulnerable groups. The program provides free nutritious meals to schoolchildren, students at Islamic boarding schools, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and young children. Its broader goals include improving nutritional status, supporting education, reducing the burden of food costs on vulnerable families, and strengthening local economies.
The program officially began on January 6, 2025, initially focusing on school students. The government has promoted MBG as an important investment in building a healthier, smarter and more productive generation.
However, concerns over food safety have continued to emerge as the program has expanded across the country. One of the most concerning cases involves a 16-year-old student in North Sumatra who reportedly developed severe neurological symptoms after consuming an MBG meal.
A Student’s Condition Raises Concern
The student, Febiola Br Purba, is a student at SMK Bersama Berastagi in Karo Regency, North Sumatra. She reportedly became ill after consuming an MBG meal on August 13, 2026.
According to her family, Febiola experienced seizures and later developed serious problems with her memory and speech. At one point, she reportedly failed to recognize people close to her, including family members, teachers and classmates.
Her father, Icuk Sugiarto Purba, told local media that his daughter had lost what the family described as approximately 70 percent of her memory. The figure is a statement from the family and should not be interpreted as a confirmed medical measurement of brain function.
Before becoming ill, Febiola was reportedly a high-achieving student. Her mother said she had consistently performed well academically and was also serving as vice president of her school's student council. Despite her condition, she reportedly continues to express a desire to return to school.
Treatment at Multiple Hospitals
Since becoming ill on August 13, Febiola has received treatment at several hospitals. Her family said she has been treated at hospitals in Kabanjahe, Efarina, Medan and Karo, including RSUP H. Adam Malik in Medan.
On September 5, she reportedly experienced another seizure and was taken to a hospital in Berastagi. She was subsequently examined again at RSUP H. Adam Malik.
As of September 7, her family said that her memory had begun to improve, although she was still undergoing medical evaluation. Doctors performed an electroencephalogram (EEG), followed by examinations in the neurology and psychiatry departments.
The improvement offers some hope, but her long-term condition remains uncertain.
What Caused the Neurological Symptoms?
The exact medical cause of Febiola’s condition has not yet been conclusively established.
Reports have mentioned possible exposure to bacteria or toxins, but investigations are still ongoing. Therefore, it would be premature to state that MBG food directly caused permanent brain damage or that the program itself was definitively responsible for her memory loss.
What is known is that Febiola became seriously ill following an incident in which numerous students in Karo were reportedly affected by suspected food poisoning associated with MBG meals. The incident has raised renewed questions about food preparation, distribution, storage and safety standards within the program.
Food safety is particularly important for MBG because the program serves meals on a very large scale. The government itself has acknowledged food safety as one of the challenges facing the program and has emphasized the need for stronger implementation and oversight.
More Than Just a Number
For Febiola’s family, the incident is not simply another statistic in a national program.
Her parents have reportedly faced financial difficulties while continuing to support her treatment, including expenses for special nutritional needs, food and vitamins. Her father has also said that the family has struggled to manage the costs associated with her ongoing care.
The case highlights a difficult question facing the MBG program: How can the government ensure that a program designed to improve children's health does not expose them to preventable food-safety risks?
MBG was created with an ambitious goal—to improve the nutritional health of millions of Indonesians. The success of such a program, however, depends not only on how many meals are distributed, but also on whether those meals are safe.
As Febiola continues her medical treatment, her case serves as a reminder that behind every statistic is an individual whose health, education and future can be profoundly affected.
For now, her family is waiting for further medical results and hoping that her memory and health will continue to recover.
