BPOM Chief Says Agency Not Involved in Free Nutritious Meal Program

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Head of the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) Taruna Ikrar stated that the agency was not involved in the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal program (MBG), even though they had previously signed a cooperation agreement with the National Nutrition Agency (BGN).

According to Ikrar, before carrying out the program, BPOM and BGN agreed on 13 points of cooperation. However, BPOM did not play the role stipulated in the initial agreement when it was implemented. "In reality, there were supposed to be thirteen things that we, from BPOM, had to do. There were some obstacles, for example, regarding involvement. Initially, BPOM was supposed to be involved, but we were not," Ikrar said during a hearing with the House Commission IX in Jakarta on Thursday, May 15, 2025.

Ikrar mentioned that from the early stages of MBG food production, it was apparent that BPOM was not involved. BPOM did not supervise the production process at the Nutrition Fulfillment Service. "The most concrete example is preparation. We have the resources, personnel, and expertise to produce food. In this case, however, the kitchens that implemented MBG did not involve us. We were not involved in determining whether the kitchens were suitable or met the standards," he said.

Ikrar mentioned that BPOM currently only develops training modules. He believes this role is insufficient because BPOM should also supervise the kitchens that prepare MBG meals and the raw materials they use. "In my opinion, however, the kitchens should be involved in a very fundamental aspect," Ikrar said.

Ikrar emphasized the importance of BPOM's involvement in preventing food poisoning incidents. Based on BPOM data from January 6 to May 12, 2025, there were 17 cases of food poisoning in the MBG program spread across 10 provinces. One trigger was the production process not meeting safety standards.

He explained that food poisoning can also occur due to contamination from the beginning, both from raw food and during processing and storage. The environment where food is managed also plays a role in increasing the risk of contamination. "We hope that such incidents of food poisoning will not occur again, given that the source of contamination is from raw materials and the food handling environment," Ikrar said.

He added that another cause is the lack of control over food safety standards, especially regarding kitchen sanitation and cleanliness. He called for a comprehensive evaluation of the kitchens providing MBG meals. Ikrar affirmed that BPOM is ready to provide assistance and strengthen food processing systems in the field, especially for personnel working directly in the kitchen.

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