The Head of the Ombudsman RI Central Java Representative, Siti\nFarida, has highlighted the recurring cases of alleged food poisoning\nfrom the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme occurring in several\nregions across Central Java over the last two months. These cases have\nbeen observed in Semarang, Surakarta, Klaten, Rembang, and Blora. Farida\nemphasised that decisive action must be taken against nutrition\nfulfilment service units (SPPG) that continue to face issues.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe recurrence of these incidents needs to be a serious concern in\nthe implementation of the MBG programme. The Nutrition Fulfilment\nService Offices (KPPG) in Central Java need to tighten supervision of\nSPPG kitchens, particularly regarding food presentation quality\nstandards, SOPs for receiving and processing raw materials, kitchen\ncleanliness, water quality, and food consumption time limits,\u201d Farida\nstated in her briefing on Wednesday (9\/9\/2026).<\/p>\n
According to Farida, supervision must be conducted comprehensively\nfrom upstream to downstream. Every stage of food production and\ndistribution must have clear recording and oversight mechanisms\nimplemented through a hierarchical structure.<\/p>\n
By doing so, Farida added, if any alleged violations or health\ndisturbances occur, the tracing process can be conducted quickly and\naccurately. Farida stated that every local government must also prepare\nan integrated preparedness mechanism for when suspected health\ndisturbances caused by the MBG programme arise.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, there must be a clear communication flow to provide\nrapid and transparent information to parents, schools, and the public,\nalongside temporary mitigation steps. \u201cSupervision must not stop at\nadministrative inspections alone. In every incident, a thorough field\nevaluation must be conducted to identify the cause and ensure similar\nincidents do not recur,\u201d said Farida.<\/p>\n
She revealed that the Central Java Ombudsman is encouraging the KPPG,\nalongside local governments, health departments, educational\ninstitutions, and SPPG managers, to evaluate the governance of the MBG\nimplementation in the region. This evaluation includes meeting standards\nfor kitchen feasibility, the procurement and processing of raw\nmaterials, hygiene and sanitation, the distribution process, and\nadherence to food consumption time limits.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf SPPG kitchens are found to be repeatedly experiencing problems,\nthere must be firm corrective action. We must not allow the same issues\nto persist, putting the safety of students at risk,\u201d Farida said.<\/p>\n
Farida emphasised that the safety and health of students must be the\ntop priority in the implementation of the MBG programme. According to\nher, the programme must not only meet nutritional requirements but also\nguarantee food safety and the quality of service to beneficiaries.<\/p>\n
Farida disclosed that the Ombudsman RI Central Java Province is\nopening channels for public complaints regarding any suspected\nnegligence, maladministration, or disregard for service standards in the\nimplementation of the MBG programme in the region. Members of the public\ncan submit complaints directly to the Ombudsman RI Central Java\nProvincial Office in Semarang City.<\/p>\n
\u201cPublic supervision through complaints is a form of active\nparticipation in ensuring public services run according to standards,\nwhile also serving as vital input for improving the implementation of\nthe MBG programme in the region,\u201d said Farida.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/1-400-poisoned-by-free-nutritious-meal-program-in-central-java-ombudsman-calls-for-strict-supervision-1788998205", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }