“The police are probing the case. We’ve conducted on-site visits to carry out in-depth investigations, one case at a time,” Prabowo said on Friday.
He pledged to announce the results once the investigation is complete. “We will keep the public informed,” he added.
Meanwhile, Director of the Police’s Special Economic Crimes Division Brigadier General Helfi Assegaf said on Thursday that the National Police have provided assistance to regional police forces conducting their own investigations into MBG-related food poisoning cases.
The assistance includes monitoring food safety from its source, through processing, to the point it is served to schoolchildren.
“Our work will conclude with recommendations to the government, particularly to those responsible for the MBG program,” Assegaf stated.
The Criminal Investigation Agency has visited several regions to support ongoing investigations, including one in Banggai Islands District, Central Sulawesi.
On Wednesday (September 24), a police team inspected an MBG food processing unit in Banggai Islands District suspected of being involved in a mass poisoning incident.
During the inspection, investigators gathered information about the food processed at the facility, examined all kitchen areas, and questioned staff members from the National Nutrition Agency (BGN).
The MBG program, launched to improve student nutrition, has come under scrutiny following several foodborne illness outbreaks reported across the country.
One such case in Banggai Islands District on September 17 affected more than 300 students, who required treatment at a local hospital. BGN Deputy Head Nanik S. Deyang said her agency paid Rp350 million (approximately US$20,000) in hospital bills to treat the victims.
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Translator: Nadia Putri R, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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