JAKARTA – Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, Deputy Head of the National Agency for Public Communication and Investigation, stated that the government is acting swiftly to address the alleged food poisoning cases affecting dozens of students participating in the Free Nutritional Meal Program (MBG).
This decisive action demonstrates the government’s commitment to maintaining service quality and ensuring food safety for all beneficiaries of this national program.
“We have suspended the Pondok Kelapa SPPG indefinitely because the condition of the kitchen, including the layout and wastewater treatment plant (IPAL), does not meet standards,” said Nanik.
The statement emphasized that standard operating procedures (SOPs) are a primary focus in evaluating the implementation of the MBG program in the field.
Meanwhile, the local government is also moving swiftly to ensure the safety of the affected students.
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung personally inspected the condition of the students being treated at several health facilities, including the Duren Sawit Regional General Hospital (RSKD). He ensured that all victims received optimal medical treatment.
“We are moving quickly to ensure the affected students’ conditions are immediately and properly addressed,” said Pramono Anung.
The government emphasized that laboratory investigations are ongoing to scientifically and comprehensively determine the exact cause of the incident.
The government also ensured that all medical costs are fully covered. This is part of the state’s guarantee to protect the public, especially children as a priority group.
The government is not stopping at handling the case; it is also strengthening oversight of the implementation of the MBG program nationally.
In a ministerial-level coordination meeting chaired by Coordinating Minister for Food and Agriculture Zulkifli Hasan, it was emphasized that a comprehensive evaluation is ongoing, particularly regarding the quality of SPPG services.
The latest data shows that 2,162 SPPGs have received warnings. Of these, 1,789 units were temporarily suspended, 368 received a first warning letter, and 5 units have been upgraded to SP-2.
This step demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring that all program providers comply with established standards.
“We are targeting full completion before the end of the year,” said Zulkifli Hasan.
This statement emphasizes that the government is not only focused on handling the incident, but also on comprehensive system improvements.
Going forward, supervision will be further tightened, including aspects of kitchen hygiene, food distribution, and food waste control.
The swift action taken to handle this case also serves as a momentum for evaluation to strengthen the governance of the MBG program going forward.
