This step was taken to prevent the recurrence of mass food poisoning related to the MBG program as well as develop a layered supervision system, routine training, and cross-sectoral cooperation to ensure the quality, safety, and continuity of the program across Indonesia.
“The BGN is carrying out routine monitoring and supervision at every SPPG to ensure the MBG implementation is running in accordance with the protocol,” BGN head Dadan Hindayana said here on Wednesday.
He added that in addition to issuing operational guidelines, the agency is also carrying out routine training of food handlers to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
As a form of public participation, the BGN has also initiated the Community and School Joint Monitoring Movement, which uses social media for receiving complaints, carrying out supervision, and providing nutrition-related education.
Collaboration with regional governments has also been strengthened, especially in handling extraordinary events and food poisoning among free meal recipients.
The BGN and relevant ministries and agencies are currently drafting a presidential regulation on the MBG program governance to provide a strong legal basis for the continuity of the program.
Hindayana further said the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) is playing a key role in ensuring the quality and safety of the food provided to the program’s beneficiaries.
The BPOM is actively supporting the implementation of the MBG program in various forms.
Its support has involved providing training to Indonesian Development Pioneer Graduates (SPPI) and SPPGs on good food production as well as carrying out food safety supervision at production facilities for the MBG program, among others.
Launched on January 6, 2025, the free meals program is one of the main programs initiated by President Prabowo Subianto.
Through the program, the government aims to improve the nutritional status of children under five, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and schoolchildren up to the high school level.
Translator: Lintang Budiyanti, Raka Adji
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
