Edy Wuryanto, a member of Commission IX of the House of Representatives, told a meeting with the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) and other stakeholders that the program must be protected through immediate legal backing.
“The Free Nutritious Meals program is people-centered and must be safeguarded. But the condition is clear: a presidential regulation must be issued without delay,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of ensuring MBG kitchens and food handlers are certified and closely supervised to prevent food poisoning.
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“Involving cross-sector ministries and regional governments requires a presidential regulation. Without it, coordination will be difficult,” he said.
BGN head Dadan Hindayana told lawmakers the regulation was in its final stages and expected to be issued this week.
He said it would cover eligible food types, sanitation and hygiene standards, food poisoning protocols, and supply chain requirements.
“The regulation is critical to strengthen governance of the MBG program comprehensively,” Dadan said.
At a press briefing on Sept. 26, BGN reported 70 food poisoning cases linked to the program between January and September, affecting 5,914 recipients.
The agency said it had suspended 56 MBG kitchens tied to the incidents.
The MBG initiative, launched on Jan. 6, 2025, is aimed at improving nutrition for children under five, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and schoolchildren through high school.
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Translator: Tri Meilani, Raka Adji
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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