Series of MBG Menu Poisonings, DPR Urges Audit and Strict Supervision

JAKARTA - Deputy Chairman of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Yahya Zaini, has urged the government, specifically the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), and the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes), to immediately conduct a comprehensive audit of food safety standards in the Free Nutritional Meal Program (MBG), including regarding nutritional content.

Yahya made this statement in response to the ongoing food poisoning incidents involving MBG menu items in several regions.

"Auditional safety audits of MBG menu items are a crucial step to ensure that the food provided not only meets children's nutritional needs but is also free from contaminants and hazardous substances that could threaten health," Yahya said on Tuesday, August 5.

Yahya also encouraged BGN to implement a stricter and more integrated monitoring system throughout the food distribution chain, especially in vulnerable areas such as East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) and other remote areas.

"Weaknesses in distribution management often create opportunities for the risk of food poisoning and other health problems," Yahya emphasized.

The head of the DPR Health Commission hopes that with strict monitoring, the delivery, storage, and serving of MBG will comply with applicable food safety standards.

Yahya also emphasized the importance of the government ensuring the involvement of regional health workers in the monitoring process.

"The involvement of health workers in monitoring the MBG program can also act as a frontline in responding quickly to cases of poisoning or health problems," said the legislator from the East Java VIII electoral district.

"The role of health workers is vital in identifying the cause of the problem, providing medical assistance, and educating schools and families about prevention," Yahya added.

Yahya also hopes the government can integrate audits, supervision, and health responses holistically. He believes this is necessary so that the MBG program can continue to run effectively, safely, and provide maximum benefits for Indonesian children.

"Public health aspects must be a primary component and priority in implementing the MBG program," he emphasized.

"And it must be noted that the success of the program is not only about the number of beneficiaries, but more importantly, ensuring the safety and health of children as the nation's future generation," Yahya concluded.

As is known, cases of MBG menu poisoning have recently resurfaced. Such was the case with 186 students from SMPN 8 Kupang City, who required hospitalization.

Hundreds of these students experienced nausea, weakness, persistent diarrhea, and dehydration. They are suspected of having food poisoning after consuming beef and vegetables from the MBG package. Similar incidents were also reported at SDN Tenau, Kupang City, and SMAN 1 Taebenu, Kupang Regency.

In addition to Kupang, hundreds of children were poisoned by MBG at SMAN 1 Tambolaka City, SMKN 2 Tambolaka City, and SMK Don Bosco in Southwest Sumba Regency.

Before this poisoning incident, problems with MBG packages had also occurred repeatedly in NTT. In East Sumba Regency, on Sumba Island, chicken distributed to students appeared raw due to the presence of blood. Strands of hair were also found in the lunch boxes.

As a result, since the beginning of this week, several parents have prohibited their children from consuming the MBG packages, out of concern for their children's safety following poisonings at several schools. Now, residents prefer to provide their children with food from home rather than consuming the MBG rations.