Wednesday, 16 September 2026
MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - Another suspected food poisoning incident linked to Indonesia's Free Nutritious Meals (Makan Bergizi Gratis/MBG) program has occurred in North Sumatra. This time, dozens of students at MTsN 2 Kisaran in Asahan Regency reported health problems after consuming MBG meals on Monday, September 14, 2026.
The incident has once again put the implementation of the MBG program in North Sumatra under scrutiny. Previously, a similar case occurred in Karo Regency on August 13, 2026, affecting more than 350 students. Some of the victims were reportedly suffering from serious health problems.
The Director of the Legal Aid Institute (Lembaga Bantuan Hukum/LBH) Medan, Irvan Saputra, S.H., M.H., said that based on media reports, dozens of students at MTsN 2 Kisaran complained of nausea, stomach pain and dizziness after consuming an MBG meal consisting of chicken rendang, pickled vegetables and fruit.
The meals were reportedly provided by the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (Satuan Pelayanan Pemenuhan Gizi/SPPG) operated by the Asahan Police. After developing health complaints, dozens of students received medical treatment at Kisaran Regional Hospital (RSUD Kisaran).
"Given the repeated cases of suspected poisoning in North Sumatra, particularly in Asahan Regency, LBH Medan, as an organization focused on law enforcement and human rights protection and as the legal representative of Febi Yona, a victim of the MBG poisoning case in Karo Regency, is deeply concerned and strongly condemns this latest suspected poisoning incident," Irvan said in an official statement on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
According to Irvan, the repeated suspected MBG poisoning cases in North Sumatra must be taken seriously by law enforcement authorities. He said the incidents could have criminal implications if an investigation establishes negligence in the preparation and distribution of the food.
He explained that alleged negligence resulting in serious injury or illness to other people could be subject to criminal prosecution under Article 474 of Indonesia's new Criminal Code (KUHP). According to him, the provision carries a maximum prison sentence of three years and a Category III fine of up to Rp50 million.
In addition to the Criminal Code provisions, Irvan said the provision of MBG meals must also comply with food safety and food quality regulations. He referred to Article 86 paragraph (2) in conjunction with Article 140 of Law No. 18 of 2012 on Food.
"Anyone who produces and distributes food is required to comply with food safety and food quality standards," Irvan said.
According to Irvan, violations of these provisions may carry a maximum prison sentence of two years and a fine of up to Rp4 billion. He also considers the suspected MBG poisoning cases to constitute violations of the principles of human rights protection and child protection.
"Therefore, LBH Medan strongly urges the North Sumatra Provincial Police to immediately initiate an investigation and criminal inquiry into the suspected MBG poisoning in Asahan Regency," Irvan said.
LBH Medan also called on the North Sumatra Police chief to immediately instruct the General Criminal Investigation Directorate of the North Sumatra Police to conduct an investigation and criminal inquiry into the case. The move is considered important to ensure that the victims and their parents receive justice and legal certainty.
According to Irvan, the call for the North Sumatra Police to take over the investigation is also related to the alleged origin of the meals consumed by the students. He said the MBG meals served to students at MTsN 2 Kisaran were reportedly supplied by the SPPG operated by the Asahan Police.
Under these circumstances, LBH Medan is concerned about a potential conflict of interest if the Asahan Police were to conduct the investigation and criminal inquiry themselves.
"Therefore, it would be inappropriate, and there is a risk of a conflict of interest, if the Asahan Police themselves conduct the investigation and criminal inquiry," Irvan said.
LBH Medan believes law enforcement authorities must immediately examine the entire food supply chain, from food preparation, hygiene standards and ingredients used to distribution and consumption by the students.
The investigation is also necessary to establish the exact cause of the students' health complaints. This would determine whether the incident was caused by negligence, violations of food safety standards or other factors for which legal responsibility must be established.
Irvan also criticized the standards governing the eligibility of SPPG kitchens in North Sumatra. He referred to data from the North Sumatra Ombudsman office indicating that, before the Asahan incident, the total number of victims of food poisoning in the province had reached 870 students. The figure covers the period from 2025 to September 2026.
In his view, the figure demonstrates a significant increase compared with cases recorded in 2025.
In addition to the number of victims, LBH Medan has raised concerns over hygiene and sanitation eligibility certification. Of approximately 1,500 SPPG units in North Sumatra, only around 700 kitchens reportedly have a Hygiene and Sanitation Eligibility Certificate (Sertifikat Laik Higiene Sanitasi/SLHS).
This means around 800 SPPG units do not yet have the required certification. Irvan said the situation demonstrates the need for a comprehensive evaluation of the MBG program's implementation in North Sumatra.
"Furthermore, there are still many kitchens operating in unsuitable locations, without wastewater treatment facilities (IPAL), and employing volunteers who do not have certification as food handlers," Irvan said.
LBH Medan believes these problems cannot be treated as isolated incidents. The Asahan case, the earlier incident in Karo Regency and the numerous issues surrounding kitchen eligibility demonstrate the need for a comprehensive assessment of the MBG program's control and oversight system.
The organization even believes that the complexity of the problems surrounding MBG in North Sumatra and Indonesia could justify a complete suspension of the program until the government can ensure that all safety and beneficiary protection requirements have been met.
LBH Medan emphasized that public safety, particularly the safety of children as the country's future generation, must be the highest priority. The organization bases its position, among other things, on the principle Salus Populi Suprema Lex Esto, which holds that the welfare and safety of the people constitute the supreme law.
On this basis, LBH Medan called on President Prabowo Subianto to suspend the MBG program until the government can ensure that the mechanisms for preparing and distributing the meals meet adequate safety standards.
LBH Medan also urged the government not to wait until fatalities occur before conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the program.
"With this statement, LBH Medan is opening a legal complaint channel for victims of MBG poisoning. Citizens who have become victims of suspected MBG poisoning may contact LBH Medan," Irvan said. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Darmailawati | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
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