By Dinda Shabrina
Copyright tempo
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has assured the public that the government will take full financial responsibility for all victims of food poisoning resulting from the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) Program.Deputy Head of BGN, Nanik S. Deyang, confirmed that the government will bear the total cost of care for affected individuals.”We emphasize that beneficiaries of the MBG program impacted by food safety incidents and requiring hospitalization will not incur any expenses. The entirety of the treatment costs will be covered by the government,” Nanik stated on Monday, September 29, 2025.Nanik reported that in response to the food safety incidents, BGN has immediately launched an investigation and evaluation of the relevant Food Procurement Service (SPPG). Follow-up care for victims who remain hospitalized is a priority, with swift evacuation and condition checks being conducted to mitigate any undesired outcomes.She further clarified that the government’s action is mandated by law. “This is clearly regulated in Law Number 17 of 2023, which holds the Central Government and Regional Governments responsible for alertness activities, handling, and post-outbreak situations related to health disturbances and epidemics.”BGN, as the organizing body for the MBG program, places the safety and health of all beneficiaries as its highest priority. Addressing these health disturbances is now a main focus in the wake of the incidents.”We hope this action will ease the burden on the affected beneficiaries, demonstrating the government’s ongoing presence and commitment to the health of our children,” Nanik concluded.Khairul Hidayati, Head of the Legal and Public Relations Bureau of BGN, echoed this sentiment, expressing concern over the incidents and assuring that the government will provide necessary support and accompaniment for affected communities requiring healthcare.Editor’s Choice: Indonesian Govt Discloses Evaluation Results on Free Nutritious Meal PoisoningClick here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
