Zero Tolerance: Zulhas Asserts Irresponsible MBG Officers Will Be Dismissed

The Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, Zulkifli Hasan, known as Zulhas, has emphasised that there must be no tolerance for officers within the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme who act irresponsibly regarding the provision of food for beneficiaries.

He cited the importance of timing between when food is cooked, distributed, and consumed as a critical factor in the implementation of the MBG programme.

“There must be no tolerance for irresponsible officers. Food cooked at 5:30 AM or 6:00 AM WIB should be eaten by 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM WIB, and delivered by 11:00 AM WIB,” Zulhas stated in Jakarta on Friday, 4 September 2026.

Regarding the strict sanctions that can be imposed on irresponsible officers, Zulhas mentioned that dismissal is an option.

“(The sanctions) will be firm; they will be dismissed,” he said.

Zulhas also noted that further action could be taken if elements of intentional misconduct are discovered, though he did not specify the exact nature of such measures.

“If it is intentional, then action will be taken,” Zulhas added.

Zulhas’s statement was made while discussing strict sanctions related to food security incidents during the execution of the MBG programme.

In recent developments, the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) imposed a heavy 30-day suspension on the Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG) in Sidoarjo Talangangin Kalitengah. This follows a food safety incident at the Manbaul Hikam Islamic Boarding School in Tanggulangin, Sidoarjo, East Java.

The BGN has also proposed that the head of the SPPG be removed and replaced, while a joint investigation with relevant health agencies is being conducted to determine the cause of the incident.

The Head of the BGN, Sudaryono, stated on Thursday that preliminary investigations revealed negligence in food distribution. According to him, the food had been cooked since the morning, but reached the beneficiaries past the designated consumption time.

Sudaryo also stated that the determination of whether there are criminal elements regarding the health disturbances related to the MBG programme will be left to law enforcement agencies, based on the results of investigations and inquiries.