Critical Discourse Analysis of the Free Nutritious Meal Policy A Study of Discourse on Social Media X

The Free Nutritious Meal (Makan Bergizi Gratis/MBG) policy is one of the Indonesian government’s flagship programs aimed at improving students’ nutritional intake and reducing food access inequality. However, since its early implementation, the program has generated diverse responses on social media platform X (Twitter), ranging from support and optimism to criticism and politicized debates. This study adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining big data analytics using NoLimit Indonesia with qualitative inquiry through Norman Fairclough’s Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA). Data were collected from public conversations between February 1–28, 2025, using the keywords “Makan Bergizi Gratis,” “MBG,” and “free lunch.” The findings reveal three main orientations in public discourse: positive sentiment, which highlights community participation, social solidarity, and long-term human development goals; negative sentiment, which criticizes weak governance, lack of transparency, and suspicions of political populism; and neutral sentiment, expressed through factual reporting, reflection, and concerns about policy priorities. CDA demonstrates that MBG is not merely understood as a technical nutrition policy, but also as a contested arena of ideology, meaning, and political legitimacy. Based on these findings, the study recommends strengthening transparency and accountability, ensuring community participation, and implementing evidence-based communication strategies to reduce polarization. In doing so, MBG can achieve broader legitimacy as an accountable, participatory, and socially relevant policy.