HAKLI Urges Strict Oversight of Sorong City's Free Nutritious Meals Program

Sorong (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Environmental Health Experts Association (HAKLI) has urged strict oversight of the Free Nutritious Meals Program (MBG) in Sorong City, Southwest Papua, particularly regarding kitchen hygiene and sanitation. HAKLI Chairman Professor Arif Sumantri, in Sorong on Friday, stated that sanitation oversight is crucial to prevent potential food poisoning in the management of meals at the Nutrition Provision Service Unit (SPPG). ‘The most critical aspect is the kitchen. Therefore, hygiene and sanitation quality control must be integral to the core duties of SPPG managers,’ he said during his visit to Sorong City. He added that each SPPG should also be supported by environmental sanitation personnel, alongside nutrition experts and administrative staff, to ensure optimal food hygiene standards. Professor Arif explained that sanitation oversight should not only focus on food quality but also on food waste management to prevent environmental issues. ‘Food waste should not be seen merely as rubbish but as a potential for circular economy that can involve the community,’ he said. He noted that community involvement in food waste management can contribute to economic empowerment while maintaining environmental cleanliness. He also stressed the need to evaluate leftover food to identify menus preferred by students and the public, thereby reducing food waste. ‘If food waste remains high, it indicates a need for evaluation, such as unpopular menus,’ he added.