..the government is focusing on handling the food poisoning cases recently reported in West Bandung District, West Java, and several other regions.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto has instructed the strengthening of the National Nutrition Agency’s (BGN) governance following a recent outbreak of food poisoning linked to the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program.

In response, several ministries and agencies, including the Coordinating Ministry for Food, held a coordination meeting in Jakarta on Sunday.

State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi said the government is focusing on handling the food poisoning cases recently reported in West Bandung District, West Java, and several other regions.

At a press conference after the meeting, Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan outlined firm measures to ensure the smooth running of the MBG program.

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These measures include suspending problematic MBG kitchens, requiring all kitchens to obtain hygiene and sanitation certificates, and directing Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin to optimize the role of community health centers and the school health program in monitoring kitchens.

Hasan stressed that the involvement of regional health personnel is essential to ensure that food provided under the MBG program remains nutritious and safe. A follow-up coordination meeting is scheduled for next Wednesday (October 1) to formulate the next strategic steps.

Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian added that his ministry will hold a virtual meeting with all regional heads on Monday (September 29) to discuss supervision and enforcement of hygiene standards in MBG kitchens.

“We will meet with all regional heads, health office heads, education office heads, and regional secretaries. The Health Minister will also attend to provide technical instructions,” Karnavian said.

The BGN earlier reported about 70 cases of food poisoning related to the free meals program from January to September 2025, affecting 5,914 beneficiaries.



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Translator: Andi F, Tri M, Raka Adji
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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