PRIME NEWS POST

MEDAN — Alleged food poisoning cases linked to the national Makan Bergizi Gratis (Free Nutritious Meal / MBG) program have resurfaced in North Sumatra. This time, dozens of students at MTsN 2 Kisaran, Asahan Regency, reported experiencing health complaints after consuming MBG meals on Monday, September 14, 2026.

The incident adds to a growing list of suspected MBG poisoning cases across the province. Previously, on August 13, 2026, a similar incident in Karo Regency reportedly affected more than 350 students.

According to reports, dozens of MTsN 2 Kisaran students suffered nausea, stomach pain, and dizziness after eating an MBG menu consisting of ayam rendang (spicy braised chicken), pickled vegetables, and fruit. The meals were allegedly supplied by the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) of the Asahan Police Resort.

Several students required medical treatment at Kisaran Regional General Hospital as a result.

Responding to the renewed outbreak, LBH Medan — a legal aid institution focused on law enforcement and human rights, and currently legal counsel for one of the Karo victims, Febi Yona — expressed deep concern and strongly condemned the incident.

LBH Medan stated that if investigations reveal negligence in food preparation, processing, or distribution causing illness or injury, the matter must be examined through a criminal law perspective. Alleged negligence may be assessed under Article 474 of the new Indonesian Criminal Code, provided all legal elements are met.

Food safety standards must also be taken seriously. LBH Medan emphasized that MBG operations are legally bound to comply with food safety and quality regulations, including Law No. 18 of 2012 on Food. Where violations of safety and quality standards are found, responsible parties must be held accountable under applicable law.

Read : DPN PERMAHI: Justice Must Not Be Blocked by Cost; PP 30/2026 Must Be Targeted Effectively

Demanding North Sumatra Police Launch Investigation

LBH Medan has urged the North Sumatra Regional Police (Polda Sumut) to immediately conduct a preliminary inquiry and, should sufficient evidence emerge, escalate the case to a full criminal investigation into the suspected poisoning in Asahan.

The institution also called on the North Sumatra Police Chief to ensure the case is handled professionally, transparently, independently, and with full regard for the victims’ interests. A comprehensive audit of the entire MBG supply chain — from procurement, kitchen hygiene standards, food handlers, storage, packaging, to final distribution — must be conducted. Food samples and medical examinations of all victims must be secured to establish the exact cause of illness.

LBH Medan stressed the need for an objective, conflict-of-interest-free process, noting that the implicated meals originated from the Asahan Police’s own SPPG kitchen. Oversight of police-led investigations is essential to ensure independence and deliver justice to victims and their families.

Poisoning Toll and SPPG Eligibility Concerns

LBH Medan also cited data from the Ombudsman RI North Sumatra Representative, which records 870 student victims of MBG-linked poisoning across the province prior to the Asahan case, accumulated since late 2025.

Of approximately 1,500 SPPG kitchens operating in North Sumatra, only around 700 hold valid Sanitation Hygiene Eligibility Certificates (SLHS) — leaving some 800 facilities operating without proper certification. Additional concerns include kitchens operating in unfit locations, lacking wastewater treatment systems, and employing untrained volunteers without food handler certification.

These systemic gaps, LBH Medan argues, demand a full-scale evaluation of the MBG program — particularly regarding food safety, hygiene standards, oversight, and child protection.

Read : ZARKA Medan Branch Established as Fortress of Public Aspirations, Barto Silitonga Appointed Leader

Public Safety Must Come First

“The safety of the people is the supreme law” — the principle Salus Populi Suprema Lex Esto must guide all public policy, especially where children’s health is at stake.

LBH Medan therefore calls on President Prabowo Subianto to conduct an immediate comprehensive review and consider temporarily suspending the MBG program until all food safety protocols and SPPG eligibility standards are fully verified.

“The government must not wait for fatalities before acting. The safety of our children must be the absolute priority,” LBH Medan asserted.

Authorities must move beyond reactive responses and systematically overhaul food safety standards across all MBG kitchens before meals are distributed.

LBH Medan Opens Complaints Desk

To provide legal assistance and advocacy, LBH Medan has established a Reporting Post for MBG Poisoning Victims. Members of the public who have experienced or witnessed suspected poisoning linked to the program are encouraged to file reports for legal guidance and support.

LBH Medan urges the government, law enforcement, and oversight bodies to treat this crisis as a turning point for genuine reform — to uphold the constitutional rights to health, safety, and child protection.

Contact Person:
Siti Khadijah Daulay, S.H.

Reported from various media sources //photo from Google documents // contribution by Prime News Post international online media // news.paper