"The Perpres on the governance of the Free Nutritious Meals Program is under formulation. Hopefully, Mr. President (Prabowo Subianto) will sign it this week," he remarked during a meeting with the House of Representatives (DPR) in Jakarta on Wednesday.
He told Commission IX legislators that the regulation would cover food quality, sanitation, hygiene, poisoning management, and the expanding MBG ingredient and material supply chains, among other key aspects.
Hindayana emphasized that the Perpres is essential to comprehensively strengthen the program’s implementation, which this year targets 83 million schoolchildren, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers.
"Support for the MBG program is urgently needed to address not only safety, sanitation, hygiene, and poisoning victims, but also to keep up with the growing demands of the supply chains," he affirmed.
He also noted that the BGN had suspended MBG kitchens suspected of mismanagement that led to the poisoning of 6,456 recipients as of September 30.
"We have taken measures against MBG kitchens that violated standard operating procedures and caused public concern. They have been temporarily shut down until all necessary processes are completed," he said.
Confirming technical errors, he explained that while MBG kitchens are required to process food ingredients within two days of procurement, some had been found storing them for up to four days.
Moreover, certain kitchens reportedly took as long as 12 hours to prepare and distribute meals, well beyond the standard four to six hours, he added.
Hindayana further said the government had tightened the selection of food suppliers and required every MBG kitchen to obtain Hygiene and Sanitation Eligibility Certificates (SLHS) and use equipment that ensures cutlery provided to recipients is sterile.
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Translator: Tri M, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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