This is deemed crucial following the recent increase in food poisoning cases linked to MBG in several regions, with many students having to receive medical treatment.
"The large benefits of this program must be maintained and not undermined by bad governance in the field," she said in a statement here on Saturday.
To this end, she asked the BGN to evaluate in detail the program's implementation thoroughly and improve food safety standards and contamination prevention, adding that nutritional balance in the food provided must be maintained to reach the program's goal.
She explained that the evaluation must reach all parts of the supply chains, from the sources and storage of raw materials, the cooking process, the quality control, packaging, and delivery.
Sari further said that cases of food poisoning must not be seen as mere statistical numbers because the safety of the beneficiaries must continuously be prioritized, emphasizing that the MBG must set a standard of zero accidents.
She affirmed that her commission will also encourage the BGN to coordinate with the Ministry of Health and the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) to issue food safety standards for the MBG program.
While the MBG program is deemed a long-term investment to improve human resource quality, she also assessed that the program can boost the regional economy through the absorption of agricultural and fishery products and job creation, among others.
"The program's benefits have been felt, and it has been well-received by the public, not only the millions of beneficiaries, but also workers, farmers, fishers, and business players," the legislator remarked.
Thus, she noted that stopping the program would actually be a great disadvantage to the people of Indonesia.
The MBG program was launched on January 6, 2025, with the aim of improving the nutritional status of children under five, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and schoolchildren up to the high school level.
The program is targeted to reach 82.9 million beneficiaries across Indonesia, making it one of the largest programs implemented in the country.
The BGN earlier reported that 70 cases of food poisoning were recorded from January to September 2025, with 5,914 beneficiaries affected.
Related news: Police investigate MBG food poisoning cases in schools
Related news: Gov't to tighten Free Nutritious Meals SOP to prevent food poisoning
Translator: Agatha Olivia, Raka Adji
Editor: Primayanti
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