Regional Heads in Central Java: MBG Task Force Must Be Granted Authority to Sanction Problematic SPPG

Several regional heads in Central Java Province have acknowledged that the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) task force, coordinated by local governments, lacks the authority to take enforcement action against nutrition service units (SPPG) when violations or suspected poisoning cases occur. Currently, the task force’s role is limited strictly to monitoring and data collection.

The Deputy Regent of Batang, Suyono, welcomed the idea of granting the MBG task force the power to sanction SPPGs that violate rules or procedures. “In my opinion, that would be good. The task force should not only act as a controller but must also be able to provide decisiveness. For example, if an SPPG is performing poorly, we should be able to provide recommendations that must be followed up by the central National Nutrition Agency (BGN),” he stated during a coordination meeting at the Central Java Provincial Government Office in Semarang on Tuesday (29/09/2026).

Suyono added that, so far, the authority of the task force, which is led by a deputy regional head, is limited to controlling or supervising the implementation of the MBG programme. The task force also conducts data collection when suspected poisoning cases arise, but it lacks the mandate to take further action.

Recently, a suspected mass poisoning related to the MBG programme occurred in Bawang District, Batang Regency, with victims numbering around 700 people. The victims included not only school students but also parents.

Suyono revealed that Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka visited the victims of the suspected poisoning in Bawang on Monday (28/09/202CO). Gibran met with patients currently receiving treatment at the Bawang Community Health Centre and Limpung Regional Hospital, and also held dialogues with the victims’ families.

According to Suyono, during the visit, Gibran provided specific notes regarding the implementation of the MBG programme. “Specifically, SOPs must be implemented as well and as strictly as possible, because human lives are at stake,” he said.

Suyono disclosed that as of Tuesday, seven people suspected of being poisoned by the MBG programme remain hospitalised. Consequently, the operations of the SPPG ‘Bela Batang Sejahtera’ have been suspended for 30 days following the suspected poisoning incident in Bawang District.