Depok Health Office and BPOM Tighten Ramadan Takjil Oversight for 2026

Depok City Health Office (Dinkes), in collaboration with the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM), conducted unscheduled food-safety inspections at several Ramadan takjil stalls on Friday (6 March). The aim was to ensure that Ramadan breaking-fast snacks consumed by the public are free from hazardous substances.

Kepala Dinas Kesehatan Kota Depok, Devi Maryori, who led the operation, said the inspection is a preventive measure by the local government to protect public health during the holy month. ‘Yes, the City Government (Pemkot) together with BPOM conduct takjil surveillance regularly every Ramadan to ensure the snacks safe from dangerous substances,’ Devi said during the inspection.

Focus on hazardous chemicals: During Ramadan 2026, the intensified surveillance targeted strategic areas such as Jalan Merdeka, Abadijaya Village, Sukmajaya District, and other busy hubs along the protocol roads. Officers collected samples of various processed foods, market snacks, and coloured drinks. The samples were tested at BPOM’s mobile laboratory using rapid test kits.

‘The aim of the surveillance is to ensure takjil are free from dangerous chemicals prohibited such as formalin and borax. We will carry out intensive monitoring during Ramadan, especially in the late afternoon at takjil-selling hotspots,’ Devi added.

Penalties for violators: The government did not hesitate to sanction traders found selling unfit foods. Devi said that if any indication of dangerous substances is found, they would follow up on the findings. ‘We will take action if dangerous substances are found, and we will follow up with guidance or enforcement against traders,’ she emphasised.

She noted that the surveillance is not merely an annual agenda, but a crucial task to ensure food safety standards amid rising consumption. ‘Takjil surveillance is our routine agenda each Ramadan. We focus on whether these foods are fit for consumption by the public,’ she explained.

Thematic surveillance through to Eid al-Fitr: In addition to takjil traders, Dinkes Depok has prepared a thematic food surveillance schedule. As the festive period approaches, the focus will shift to other staple commodities. ‘If it’s a thematic programme generally, Ramadan is specifically takjil. For other themes, such as approaching Eid al-Fitr, we will check meat and the like,’ Devi said.

Field observations showed dozens of samples collected from rows of trader tents. Officers were also seen engaging with traders about their ingredients. One trader, whose stall was inspected, expressed support for the government’s measures: ‘Why fear? If we’re not doing anything wrong, it’s fine.’