Repeated MBG Poisoning Incidents, KPAI: Don't Gamble with Children's Safety
The Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) is urging the government to immediately conduct a thorough evaluation and fix the management of the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG). This call comes after repeated suspected food poisoning incidents in several areas, including Sidoarjo, Rembang, Jombang, Solo, Jayapura, and Semarang.
KPAI Deputy Chair Jasra Putra stressed that this isn't just a technical glitch-it's about child safety, governance, oversight, and even law enforcement. “When these incidents keep happening over and over, the question isn't just who's at fault, but why the system hasn't been able to stop the same thing from happening again,” he said.
In Sidoarjo, at least 512 students were affected by the suspected poisoning, and the related service unit has been temporarily shut down. The National Nutrition Agency admitted there was negligence in the timing of production and consumption.
Jasra emphasized that the success of the MBG program should be measured by the safety and quality of the food kids actually receive, not just by distribution numbers. “The state is here to fulfill children's rights, not to shift risks onto them,” he concluded.
https://www.gelora.co/2026/09/