BGN Chief Reveals Free Nutritious Meal Poisoning in Jayapura Due to Premature Cooking

A number of students in Depapre District, Jayapura Regency, Papua, are suspected of suffering food poisoning after consuming the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme. Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Sudaryono said the case there occurred because the Nutrition Service Fulfilment Unit (SPPG) began cooking too early.

“So they indeed started cooking too early, if I am not mistaken at 19.00 or 19.30 the previous day for meals to be served the following day at 11.00, so that is already a violation, including the one in Semarang, Central Java, which was the same — they started cooking at 21.00. This is a matter of discipline, and we are currently looking for a formula to monitor SPPGs that violate the rules,” said Sudaryono, as reported by Antara on Thursday (6/8/2026).

He stressed that if an SPPG is proven to have committed other elements, such as intent, sabotage, and so forth, the BGN would not hesitate to report it for investigation by the police. He said his agency would not cover up facts on the ground.

“Indeed, if there is a case, we will hand everything over, not cover it up or defend it, because if it is wrong, why defend it. However, we must also uphold the presumption of innocence, including, pardon me, there is one poisoning case because the food was taken home,” said Sudaryono.

Therefore, according to him, cases such as MBG meals being taken home have become homework for the BGN. His agency will continue to educate beneficiaries about the importance of food safety.

“So, for example, the kitchen has done everything correctly, the food has been given to the students at a time that is still appropriate, at 9 or 10 in the morning, and it is correct from the time cooking is finished until it is eaten, but then they wrap it up, take it home, and consume it with other family members, so that those who suffer poisoning are not only the students but also family members who consumed the food. This is part of our homework, how to educate,” said Sudaryono.

It was previously reported that a number of students in Depapre District, Jayapura Regency, Papua, were suspected of suffering poisoning after consuming MBG on Wednesday (5/8) morning. After receiving treatment at the Jayapura Central General Hospital (RSUP), eight patients suspected of experiencing the food safety incident gradually improved, with one patient even being allowed to go home.