Indonesia’s state-owned pharmaceutical company, Bio Farma (BGN), has come under scrutiny after allocating more than 1.5 trillion rupiah for the procurement of shoes and sandals under a national nutrition program, prompting public debate over spending priorities.
The funds, drawn from the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) initiative, were reportedly earmarked for purchasing footwear alongside other items such as electric motorcycles and laptops, according to budget documents reviewed by multiple Indonesian news outlets.
BGN officials confirmed the allocations but stated that the spending aligns with broader efforts to support student welfare under the MBG program, which aims to improve health and attendance in schools by providing meals and related support.
However, critics, including former coordinating minister for political, legal, and security affairs Mahfud MD, have questioned the rationale, suggesting that such expenditures could create opportunities for misuse and weaken oversight by anti-corruption agencies.
Mahfud MD warned that ambiguities in how the MBG fund is managed may facilitate corruption, making it easier for both the State Audit Agency (BPK) and the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) to investigate potential irregularities.
The controversy intensified after social media users highlighted comparisons between the cost of basic footwear — such as socks priced at 100,000 rupiah — and the massive budget allocated for electric motorcycles, which reached 1.39 trillion rupiah.
Despite the criticism, BGN maintains that all procurement follows established procedures and that the MBG program remains focused on improving child nutrition and access to education.
The debate underscores ongoing concerns about transparency in large-scale government spending programs, particularly as Indonesia continues to expand social welfare initiatives ahead of upcoming elections.
