1,400 Poisoned by Free Nutritious Meal Program in Central Java; Ombudsman Calls for Strict Supervision
The Head of the Ombudsman RI Central Java Representative, Siti Farida, has highlighted the recurring cases of alleged food poisoning from the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme occurring in several regions across Central Java over the last two months. These cases have been observed in Semarang, Surakarta, Klaten, Rembang, and Blora. Farida emphasised that decisive action must be taken against nutrition fulfilment service units (SPPG) that continue to face issues.
“The recurrence of these incidents needs to be a serious concern in the implementation of the MBG programme. The Nutrition Fulfilment Service Offices (KPPG) in Central Java need to tighten supervision of SPPG kitchens, particularly regarding food presentation quality standards, SOPs for receiving and processing raw materials, kitchen cleanliness, water quality, and food consumption time limits,” Farida stated in her briefing on Wednesday (9/9/2026).
According to Farida, supervision must be conducted comprehensively from upstream to downstream. Every stage of food production and distribution must have clear recording and oversight mechanisms implemented through a hierarchical structure.
By doing so, Farida added, if any alleged violations or health disturbances occur, the tracing process can be conducted quickly and accurately. Farida stated that every local government must also prepare an integrated preparedness mechanism for when suspected health disturbances caused by the MBG programme arise.
Furthermore, there must be a clear communication flow to provide rapid and transparent information to parents, schools, and the public, alongside temporary mitigation steps. “Supervision must not stop at administrative inspections alone. In every incident, a thorough field evaluation must be conducted to identify the cause and ensure similar incidents do not recur,” said Farida.
She revealed that the Central Java Ombudsman is encouraging the KPPG, alongside local governments, health departments, educational institutions, and SPPG managers, to evaluate the governance of the MBG implementation in the region. This evaluation includes meeting standards for kitchen feasibility, the procurement and processing of raw materials, hygiene and sanitation, the distribution process, and adherence to food consumption time limits.
“If SPPG kitchens are found to be repeatedly experiencing problems, there must be firm corrective action. We must not allow the same issues to persist, putting the safety of students at risk,” Farida said.
Farida emphasised that the safety and health of students must be the top priority in the implementation of the MBG programme. According to her, the programme must not only meet nutritional requirements but also guarantee food safety and the quality of service to beneficiaries.
Farida disclosed that the Ombudsman RI Central Java Province is opening channels for public complaints regarding any suspected negligence, maladministration, or disregard for service standards in the implementation of the MBG programme in the region. Members of the public can submit complaints directly to the Ombudsman RI Central Java Provincial Office in Semarang City.
“Public supervision through complaints is a form of active participation in ensuring public services run according to standards, while also serving as vital input for improving the implementation of the MBG programme in the region,” said Farida.