Jakarta, Nov. 17 -- Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Monday vowed to tighten oversight of the government's Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program following reports of student health complaints linked to the initiative, saying the state is fully responsible for safeguarding beneficiaries.

Speaking in Bekasi, West Java, Prabowo said the government is investigating the cases and responding seriously, even though the health issues may stem from other causes.

He ordered all officials and partners involved in the program to strengthen hygiene standards and improve food-handling procedures.

"There must be absolutely no deviation," he said, adding that preparations must be tighter, and monitoring must be stricter. Equipment for cleaning l...