Jakarta (ANTARA) - House of Representatives (DPR) Speaker Puan Maharani voiced support for the issuance of a Presidential Regulation (Perpres) to strengthen the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program.

Maharani acknowledged the program's positive objective of improving children's nutrition nationwide but emphasized that recent food poisoning incidents highlight the need for a comprehensive review of its procedures, distribution, and mechanisms.

"We must work together to ensure that improvements on the ground are promptly addressed by relevant stakeholders," she said after attending a plenary session at the parliamentary complex in Jakarta on Thursday.

She noted that the DPR, through its relevant commission, has urged the government to swiftly issue a legal framework in the form of a Perpres. Maharani also expressed hope that the regulation would involve all related ministries and agencies in ensuring the program's safety.

"Do not let more problems occur in the field during the implementation of the nutritious meal program," she stressed.

Earlier, Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Dadan Hindayana said the Perpres on the MBG program is in its final drafting stage and is expected to be signed by the President this week.

He explained that the regulation will address several aspects, including food standards for beneficiaries, sanitation, hygiene, handling of food poisoning cases, and the growing demands of the supply chain.

On Thursday, the government held a coordination meeting to discuss food poisoning incidents linked to the MBG program.

Baca juga: Unram-Brida kembangkan pakan ternak kaya nutrisi di NTB

Authorities have set three minimum requirements for MBG kitchens, namely the Sanitation and Hygiene Eligibility Certificate (SLHS), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) certification, and halal certification, to prevent similar cases in the future.

The program, launched on Jan. 6, 2025, aims to improve the nutrition of children under five, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and schoolchildren up to senior high level.

Baca juga: Dokter gizi Luciana menilai besaran kalori MBG sesuai pedoman gizi seimbang

Targeted to reach 82.9 million beneficiaries nationwide, MBG is one of the largest nutrition programs ever implemented in Indonesia.

On Sept. 26, the BGN reported 70 food poisoning cases linked to MBG between January and September, affecting 5,914 beneficiaries.

In response, the agency suspended operations at 56 kitchens connected to the cases.