Maggot Found in Students' Free Nutritious Meal; Nutrition Agency Responds

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has responded to reports of larvae or maggots found in the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program at two schools in Tuban Regency, East Java. BGN Head Dadan Hindayana confirmed receiving the report on Monday, July 14, 2025.

Dadan attributed the finding to an oversight by the Nutritional Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG), which he considers still inexperienced. According to him, the MBG service managed by SPPG in the area only began operations on July 14, 2025, which also marked the first day of MBG implementation at several schools in Tuban.

"SPPG started operating on July 14, 2025. Right from the start, on that Monday, a report was received that out of over 3,400 trays, four trays contained larvae," Dadan said when contacted on Friday, July 18, 2025.

The discovery of insect larvae, suspected to be maggots, quickly went viral on social media, through posts on the @tubanviral Instagram account.

A video segment on the account showed students in grey and white uniforms filming a meal box containing white rice, lettuce, fresh tomatoes, and pieces of chicken. The video, uploaded on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, clearly depicted white, worm-like creatures, resembling maggots, crawling on the chicken meat, which was served with a slightly brownish broth.

However, BGN has denied the claim that the creatures found in the meal boxes distributed to students at Tambakboyo State High School 1 and Tambakboyo State Vocational High School in Tuban, East Java, were actual maggots. Dadan insisted that the creatures were "vegetable maggots."

"One of the foods that is served raw is vegetables. Other ingredients are processed ones. So live maggots are impossible," Dadan explained.

Dadan assured that no further reports of insects in MBG boxes were received the following day. BGN took immediate steps to evaluate the situation by issuing a circular to all MBG kitchen operators.

Firstly, the circular mandates that all foods placed in meal trays or containers must be thoroughly processed or at least dipped in hot water. This directive stems from Dadan's belief that the insects were vegetable maggots rather than common maggots.

Secondly, Dadan emphasized the importance of carefully selecting nutritious meal menus. "We have issued a circular for SPPG to create menus that do not pose risks or cause issues," said the insect expert, who also teaches at IPB University.

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