REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto assigned a number of ministries and related agencies to strengthen the governance of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN). The move was in response to incidents of free nutritious eating (MBG) menu poisoning that occurred in a number of areas.

Following up on the directive, the Coordinating Ministry of Food, the Ministry of Interior, the Presidential Staff Office, the Supervisory Agency for Drugs and Food, the Government Communications Agency, until BGN held a coordination meeting (rakor) in the building of the Ministry of Health (Ministry of Health), Sunday (28/9/2025). The Ministry acted as host.

“Today, we are following up on the instructions of Mr. President, last night,” said Minister of State (Mensesneg) and Presidential Spokesman, Prasetyo Hadi after attending a rally in the Ministry building, South Jakarta.

Prasetyo said that the government and relevant agencies are focusing on addressing the status of Exceptional Occurrence (KLB) incidents of MBG food menu poisoning that have occurred recently in West Bandung Regency, West Java and a number of other areas. “The important thing is BGN first, MBG first. lest there be another incident,” he said.

Minister of State Zulkifli Hasan (Zulhas) conveyed the decisive steps taken to ensure that the MBG program runs safely and hygienically for all Indonesian children. “We want to strengthen governance at BGN. The problematic Nutrition Fulfillment Services Unit will be temporarily closed for evaluation and investigation,” he told a news conference.

Zulhas stressed the importance of a hygienic layman certificate (SLHS) as a mandatory requirement of every SPPG. “The hygienic certificate is a special concern. It is mandatory for every SPPG to have SLHS,” he said.

Zulhas also asked the Minister of Health (Menkes) Budi Gunadi Sadikin to optimize the role of health centers and School Health Units (UKS) across Indonesia to monitor SPPG periodically. According to him, the involvement of health professionals at the regional level is important to ensure the food supply remains nutritious and safe.

A follow-up report is scheduled for Wednesday (1/10/2025), to formulate the next strategic step. Interior Minister (Mendagri) M Tito Karnavian stated that his party will hold a virtual meeting with all regional heads on Monday (29/9/2025).

“Tomorrow, we from the Ministry of Home Affairs will have a Zoom Meeting with all regional heads, heads of health departments, heads of education departments and sects. It will be attended directly by Menkes to give technical direction,” Tito said. The online meeting, which began at 08.00 WIB, will discuss the role of local governments in the supervision and implementation of hygienic standards in each SPPG.

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