Jayapura – Depapre traditional leader Septinus Jarisetouw, S.Sos., M.Pd., AIFO, has called on the government to improve the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals (Makan Bergizi Gratis/MBG) programme, particularly in Depapre District, Jayapura Regency, Papua. His call follows an incident in which hundreds of residents experienced health problems after consuming MBG meals in early August 2026.
Septinus said the MBG programme was a good government initiative with positive objectives for the community. However, he said the incident should serve as an evaluation point to improve management and oversight systems and ensure greater food safety for beneficiaries.
“This is a good programme. However, following the food poisoning incident, improvements are certainly needed from those responsible for its implementation,” Septinus Jarisetouw said recently.
Previously, 543 residents in Depapre District and surrounding areas were reported to have experienced symptoms of suspected food poisoning after consuming MBG meals in early August 2026.
The meals were prepared by a kitchen operated by the Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit (Satuan Pelayanan Pemenuhan Gizi/SPPG), managed by the Kasih Iman Samuel Papua Foundation. In response to the incident, relevant authorities examined the food preparation process. The National Nutrition Agency (Badan Gizi Nasional/BGN) suspected that the health problems were linked to a decline in the quality of the tempe bacem, a sweet and savoury tempeh dish that had been prepared too early.
The foundation managing the kitchen had previously apologised and covered the medical expenses of affected residents. Meanwhile, the police, together with the BGN, conducted an investigation and laboratory tests on food samples to determine the cause of the incident.
Septinus said the government should publicly disclose the results of the investigation. In his view, transparency is essential to ensure that the public understands the measures being taken and the causes of the health problems.
“The government should not conceal the issue and should immediately disclose the results of the investigation, including the possible causes of the health problems, whether related to the food ingredients, preparation, storage or distribution,” he stressed.
In addition to evaluating food management, Septinus called on the government to strengthen coordination among SPPG operators, health workers, security authorities, schools and indigenous communities.
He said cross-sector coordination was necessary to ensure that information regarding the implementation of the MBG programme and the handling of related issues was communicated clearly and did not lead to conflicting information within the community.
He also acknowledged that some residents had temporarily opposed the MBG programme following the incident. However, if the programme resumes in Depapre District, he said the government must ensure improvements to the SPPG management system and introduce stricter oversight.
“The most important thing is to improve the system and guarantee the safety of the community, especially children as the beneficiaries,” he said.
Septinus added that the government must ensure transparency regarding the investigation results, provide proper care for affected children, and implement corrective measures before the MBG programme resumes. In this way, public trust in the programme can be rebuilt through a transparent process and the implementation of stricter food safety standards.
