BGN temporarily halts Lani SPPG operations for investigation into suspected poisoning
Nabire (ANTARA) - The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has temporarily suspended operations at the Lani Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG) in Nabire Regency, Central Papua, to investigate suspected poisoning cases among beneficiaries of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme.
Nabire Regency BGN Regional Coordinator Marsel Asyerem in Nabire on Wednesday stated that the operational suspension is a decision from BGN headquarters based on letter Number 945/D.TWS/03/2026, signed by BGN Director of Monitoring and Regional Supervision III, Rudi Setiawan.
He explained that BGN received a report from the Head of SPPG Lani on 13 March 2026 regarding a suspected prominent event (KM), namely digestive disorders in beneficiaries due to consuming MBG.
Following that, his team conducted an initial field investigation and reported the incident to the Central Papua Provincial BGN Regional Coordinator.
Currently, BGN, along with the Health Department and the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM), is conducting laboratory tests on samples of the food ingredients used.
The examination covers all stages, from the quality of raw materials, the cooking process in the kitchen, to the distribution of food to schools.
Additionally, an evaluation of hygiene and sanitation standards in the SPPG Lani kitchen is a focus to ensure compliance with applicable food safety regulations.
“The temporary closure is a swift response to ensure the safety and quality of food in the MBG programme,” he said.
He explained that SPPG Lani kitchen operations will resume after the investigation and laboratory tests are completed and meet food safety standards in accordance with Circular Letter Number 4 of 2025 on Accelerating Food Safety Management.
BGN also urges the public to remain calm, as the investigation process is being conducted transparently by the relevant agencies.
SPPG Lani currently serves 17 schools with a total of 1,892 beneficiaries consisting of students and teachers.