At least 18 peopel-including 17 elementary students and one teacher-were injured Thursday morning when a vehicle involved in Indonesia’s national free nutrition program struck a school fence in North Jakarta. The incident at SDN Kalibaru 01 Elementary School prompted initial, but unconfirmed, reports of fatalities, which authorities have as refuted [[1]]. The crash is prompting a review of safety measures surrounding the *makan bergizi gratis* (MBG) program, a government initiative aimed at combating childhood malnutrition across the archipelago nation of over 17,000 islands [[2]].
At least 18 people, including 17 students and one teacher, were injured Thursday morning when a vehicle participating in a free nutrition program struck a school fence and students at SDN Kalibaru 01 Elementary School in North Jakarta, Indonesia.
The incident, which occurred around 6:39 a.m. local time, sparked initial reports of fatalities, but those claims have been refuted by authorities. “There are no deaths,” said Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, Deputy Head of the National Nutrition Agency, when contacted for confirmation on December 11, 2025. The program, known as makan bergizi gratis or MBG, aims to provide free nutritious meals to students.
According to reports, the vehicle, driven by a 34-year-old man identified only as AI, a resident of Kalibaru, veered off course and crashed into an area where students were gathering for morning literacy activities before classes began.
Emergency responders transported the injured to RSUD Cilincing Hospital, with several of the more seriously wounded being referred to RS Koja. Those transported included a student identified as W, who sustained head and arm bruises; MF, with a head laceration; and K, who is suspected of having a broken arm. A student identified only as A suffered the most severe injuries, and a teacher, HM, is also receiving treatment.
Police have taken the driver of the MBG vehicle into custody for questioning. The vehicle, a fleet car belonging to SPPG RW 03 Kalibaru, has license plate number B 2093 UIU.
The incident quickly spread on social media, with broadcast messages and videos circulating showing the aftermath of the crash and the resulting panic among students and teachers. Video footage depicts students trapped under the vehicle, as teachers worked to free them. Students could be heard crying and expressing distress.
The incident underscores the vulnerability of school zones and the potential for accidents involving community outreach programs. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash and reviewing safety protocols for the nutrition program.
