ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – Indonesian Parliament member Neng Eem Marhamah Zulfa of Commission IX has called for a comprehensive reform of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program after mass food poisoning incidents in Mojokerto, East Java, and spoiled meals reported in Lampung.
“This is not just negligence—it’s a national red alert. Children are becoming victims due to unfit meals. MBG management must be completely overhauled. Hygiene and food safety are non-negotiable!” Neng Eem said on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
She highlighted that rainy season conditions accelerate food spoilage, urging the Food Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) to adapt operational procedures to environmental risks.
Contamination, she noted, can occur at every stage of MBG—from raw material selection and processing to storage and distribution to schools.
To prevent further incidents, Neng Eem recommended four urgent measures:
– Tighten inspections of food quality and freshness before processing.
– Implement strict storage standards, including temperature and distribution timing, to ensure safety.
– Prioritize hygiene in kitchens, cooking equipment, and water supply, without compromise.
– Upgrade SPPG personnel capacity, as frontline staff are critical to MBG quality.
“If these issues are left unresolved, not only will children’s health be at risk, but public trust in MBG will collapse. Commission IX will continue monitoring to ensure the program is safe, hygienic, and truly beneficial,” she added.
BGN Reports Decline, But Zero Accidents Not Yet Achieved
Dadan Hindayana, head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), reported that MBG food poisoning cases have decreased from their peak in October 2025—from 85 cases in October to 10 cases in January 2026.
“While we aim for zero incidents, some SOP violations in SPPG kitchens still occur. The reduction reflects improved SOP implementation and the increase in certified personnel,” Dadan said during a Commission IX DPR RI meeting.
BGN currently reports 6,150 certified SPPG personnel (32% of operational SPPG) and plans further food safety accreditation and certification in 2026, aiming to improve hygiene and handling standards nationwide.
KPAI: Over 12,000 Children Poisoned in 2025
According to Indonesia’s Child Protection Commission (KPAI), 12,658 children across 38 provinces were victims of MBG-related food poisoning in 2025, with West Java leading at 4,877 cases, followed by Central Java (1,961 cases) and Yogyakarta Special Region (1,517 cases).
KPAI also conducted surveys with 1,600 students revealing widespread dissatisfaction:
– 90% complained about taste.
– 36% raised concerns about food safety and edibility, citing spoiled or foul-smelling meals.
KPAI Deputy Chair Jasra Putra recommended that children be actively involved in MBG planning, nutrition education, and feedback mechanisms, from menu design to school-level evaluations, to enhance safety and trust.
Scale of the Crisis
Combined data from DPR, BGN, and KPAI paint a stark picture: MBG, a flagship program intended to improve child nutrition, has repeatedly exposed children to health hazards, despite government efforts to improve oversight and training.
Experts warn that without immediate and comprehensive reform, both child safety and public confidence in the program are at serious risk. (AT Network)
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