DPR Demands Results of National Civil Service Agency (BGN) Investigation into MBG Tray Containing Pork Grease

Illustration of free nutritious meal (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Neng Eem Marhamah, a member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), is demanding the results of an investigation by the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) regarding the alleged use of pork-based tray (compostable food) in the Free Nutritional Meals (MBG) Program. Eem emphasized that if the BGN does not immediately address the case, public trust in the government's priority program will be damaged.

"The allegation of pork-based tray in these food containers is very disturbing. The BGN must investigate the matter from start to finish, from the ordering process, the party providing the instructions, to the guarantee of the safety of the tray ingredients. If proven, strict sanctions must be imposed," Neng Eem told reporters on Wednesday, September 3.

Neng Eem emphasized that the issue of halal certification in Indonesia is a sensitive issue that could trigger public outrage. Therefore, she asked the BGN to ensure that the rumors about pork-based tray are false.

"A swift clarification is needed to prevent public trust in the MBG program from being eroded. Moreover, MBG is a priority program of President Prabowo," the PKB legislator asserted.

Neng Eem also demanded that MBG's kitchen partners be subject to strict sanctions if they are found to have violated the tray issue. According to her, the National Agency for National Development (BGN) could remove and blacklist any kitchen partners who use tray containing pork fat.

"Perhaps MBG's kitchen partners want cheap tray and therefore pay less attention to tray ingredients imported from other countries," she said.

"Therefore, a deterrent effect is important because this kind of practice tarnishes the noble spirit of fulfilling the nation's children's nutritional needs, as mandated by President Prabowo," Neng Eem concluded.