Zulhas Urges Schools to Complain Directly if MBG Fails to Meet Standards: Don't Make Content!

Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan, known as Zulhas, has urged schools to complain directly to the Food Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG) if the nutritious meal (MBG) menus do not meet standards.

“If the delivered food does not meet the standards, the school principal can complain. Once, twice, three times, the SPPG can be closed,” said Zulhas during his inspection of MAN 2 and SMAN 1 in Probolinggo City, as reported by ANTARA on Saturday, 25 April 2026.

He stated that schools have full rights to reject food if it does not comply with the established standards.

Therefore, the quality of food in the MBG programme must be well maintained as it directly relates to fulfilling children’s nutrition.

He also urged all food service providers or SPPGs to be disciplined in maintaining quality, cleanliness, and food safety in accordance with the prevailing regulations.

“I also advise schools not to immediately spread findings of problematic food via social media, so there is no need to create content about it,” he said.

According to him, a more appropriate step is to report it directly to the SPPG so that evaluations can be carried out immediately, leading to improvements in serving MBG menus.

On that occasion, Zulhas explained that he received direct instructions from President Prabowo Subianto to regularly visit regions to ensure various government programmes run optimally.

“I was directed by the President to spend three days a week travelling to regions. Yesterday from Semarang, today Probolinggo and Pasuruan, tomorrow to Palembang and Balikpapan,” he said.

Besides the MBG programme, the Coordinating Minister for Food’s visit agenda also includes checking fertiliser availability, rice prices, irrigation conditions, and ensuring students feel comfortable and happy with the provided food.

Meanwhile, Probolinggo Mayor Aminuddin stated that the local government is also conducting strict supervision to prevent food poisoning cases in schools.

“Every school has been equipped with standard operating procedures (SOP) for handling food. If indications of unfit food are found, schools can directly reject it,” he said.

During the working visit, Zulhas also checked the management of waste from food provider kitchens to ensure it is safe for the surrounding environment, and organic waste can also be utilised.