South Jakarta Municipality deploys task force for food safety during Ramadan

South Jakarta Mayor Muhammad Anwar announced the formation of a Task Force to ensure clear division of responsibilities in food supervision, following a Governor’s Decree. The initiative aims to guarantee that all processed food products in South Jakarta are free from harmful substances such as formalin, textile dyes, and other additives.

The municipal government plans to conduct regular inspections of takjil vendors (sellers of iftar break-fast snacks) at various locations and provide them with food safety training. Formal field operations will commence on 4 March, with takjil vendors as the primary target.

The task force comprises representatives from the Sub-District Office of Industry, Trade, Cooperatives, Small and Medium Enterprises (PPKUKM), Sub-District Health Office, Sub-District Food Security, Marine and Agricultural Office (KPKP), local economic development officials, and members of the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BBPOM). Field coordinators will be assigned to monitor informal trading locations to ensure they are free from harmful substances.

Beyond direct engagement, the municipality will intensify awareness campaigns through social media and digital billboards to educate the public on identifying contaminated food. The objective is to enable consumers to distinguish between safe food products and those containing harmful additives.