Recurring MBG Poisoning Cases, FSGI Points to Supervision Issues
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Indonesian Teachers’ Federation (FSGI) has highlighted the trend of increasing food poisoning cases among children suspected to be related to the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme.
“There is a significant increase in MBG poisoning victims,” said FSGI General Chairman Fahriza Marta Tanjung in his statement on Sunday (5/4/2026).
The figure dropped 32.2 percent compared to January, which reached 2,835 people.
However, cumulatively, the total victims from January to February 2026 reached 4,755 people, or an average of 2,377.5 victims per month.
In comparison, throughout 2025, there were 20,012 MBG poisoning victims, or an average of 1,667.7 people per month.
According to Fahriza, this comparison shows a worrying condition. The average number of victims per month in 2026 has increased by 42.56 percent compared to the monthly average in 2025.
“This is not a small increase. It means that in a shorter time, the number of victims is actually increasing faster,” he said.
He emphasised that a programme aimed at improving nutrition could instead pose a large health risk if supervision is not carried out strictly.
“If poisoning cases occur repeatedly and involve thousands of people, it means there is a problem with supervision, food quality, cleanliness, or distribution,” Fahriza stressed.
Deputy Head of BGN for Public Communication and Investigation, Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, assured that they would tighten supervision to prevent similar incidents from recurring.
“BGN ensures that supervision will be tightened to prevent similar incidents from recurring and to guarantee food security in the implementation of the MBG Programme,” said Nanik.
In addition, BGN has assured that it will cover all medical costs for the victims.
“We convey our apologies for this incident. We will also take responsibility for all hospital treatment costs,” Nanik stated.
“The Pondok Kelapa SPPG has been suspended indefinitely because the kitchen conditions, including layout and wastewater treatment installation (IPAL), still do not meet standards,” Nanik emphasised.