"We have asked the Health Minister to instruct all puskesmas and UKS to actively monitor SPPGs," Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan told a press briefing at the Health Ministry. He was referring to the Nutritional Fulfillment Service Units, or kitchens supplying food for the program.
The move was among the key measures discussed during a coordination meeting earlier in the day to address outbreaks linked to the MBG program, Hasan said.
He stressed that tighter monitoring is crucial to assure the public that meals served under the program are safe.
Related news: Govt suspends MBG kitchens after poisoning reports
Launched on Jan. 6, 2025, MBG aims to improve nutrition for children under five, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and school students up to the high school level. The program targets 82.9 million beneficiaries nationwide, making it one of Indonesia’s largest social initiatives.
Food poisoning incidents tied to MBG meals have recently risen in several provinces.
The National Nutrition Agency (BGN), which manages the program, reported 70 food safety cases from January to September 2025, affecting 5,914 recipients.
President Prabowo Subianto on Saturday called the incidents a serious problem and vowed swift government action.
He said he would summon BGN Head Dadan Hindayana and other officials to discuss measures to improve oversight and safety standards.
Despite the setbacks, Prabowo expressed confidence that the challenges could be resolved and the program’s objectives met.
Related news: BGN launches public hotline for free meal program oversight
Translator: Tri Meilani, Raka Adji
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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