BGN Launches Immediate Investigation After Free Nutritious Meal Incident in Jember

Jakarta - Deputy Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Trenggono stated that the agency immediately deployed a team to investigate an incident in Jember, East Java, where students experienced digestive problems after consuming Free Nutritious Meals (MBG). Trenggono, speaking after a meeting with Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) at the parliament complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Friday, emphasised that the BGN is committed to directly following up on the incident. “We are handling it immediately. We are investigating the site and will take action there,” he said. The Jember Regency Task Force reportedly conducted an unannounced inspection to evaluate the Karangsono Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG) in Bangsalsari District on Thursday (16/7). “This step was taken following reports, particularly concerning children who experienced digestive problems after consuming the meal menu from the programme,” said Jember MBG Task Force Head Akhmad Helmi Luqman. He explained that based on reports gathered in the field, the symptoms of digestive problems did not occur immediately but appeared several days after the food distribution. “The task force is taking preventive measures and comprehensive medical treatment to ensure the health of the children in kindergartens and Islamic elementary schools improves,” he said. The children have received intensive care at several health facilities, including Sukorejo Community Health Centre, Paleran Community Health Centre, Balung Regional General Hospital, and several nearby private clinics. “In accordance with the Jember Regent’s instruction, all medical costs for the children are fully covered by the regional government, free of charge until they recover,” he stated. As a result of the incident, the Jember MBG Task Force imposed an administrative sanction in the form of a temporary suspension of operations for the Karangsono SPPG. The temporary closure will remain in effect until laboratory tests on food samples are completed and comprehensive improvements are made to the hygiene system, serving quality, and the fulfilment of the Wastewater Treatment Plant permit by the SPPG. “From the joint investigation with the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency, the health service, and the local community health centre, indications of procedural violations in the distribution and serving process of food at the Karangsono SPPG were found,” he added.