The step was taken in response to cases of food poisoning linked to the program in several regions of the country.
"For MBG, we are preparing a team to carry out an investigation because we certainly hope the food poisoning cases do not spread," she said at a discussion event here on Tuesday.
She noted that the food poisoning cases must prompt the government to carry out evaluations and improvements in governance, as well as ensure the availability of proper and nutritious food for the community.
Hidayah emphasized that the fulfillment of people's rights to food and nutrition must be carried out in line with human rights principles, including aspects of food suitability, availability, affordability, and also sustainability.
The Komnas HAM chairperson further said that other stakeholders, including business players, must also comply with human rights principles.
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 targets 82.9 million beneficiaries across Indonesia, making it one of the largest programs implemented in the country.
At a press conference here on Friday (September 26), the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), which is tasked with implementing MBG, reported that 70 food poisoning cases were recorded from January to September 2025, with 5,914 beneficiaries affected.
In response, the BGN has suspended the operations of 56 Nutritional Fulfillment Service Units (SPPGs), or MBG kitchens, linked to food poisoning cases in the program.
Related news: BGN suspends 56 free meal kitchens following food poisoning outbreaks
Translator: Prisca Triferna, Raka Adji
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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