MBG Meals Distributed in Bulk During School Holidays, Elementary Students in Ketapang Receive Three-Day Food Packages Wrapped in Plastic, Lawmaker Raises Concerns

Nursiri while conducting supervision at an elementary school (SDN) receiving the MBG program. [Borneotribun/Muzahidin]

Ketapang – The Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program is once again drawing public attention. This time, the spotlight is on the distribution of MBG during the Christmas and New Year school holidays, where meals were delivered in bulk to be consumed over three days at once.

One of the schools receiving MBG under this bulk distribution system is SDN 18 in Matan Hilir Selatan District, Ketapang Regency. The food packages provided to students included white bread, eggs, apples, and bananas. These meals were distributed in a single delivery intended to last several days.

However, the packaging quickly became a point of criticism. The meals were wrapped in white plastic bags, which are officially banned in Ketapang. The local government has enforced this ban through the Regent’s Circular Letter Number 31 of 2025, prohibiting the use of single-use plastic bags by retail businesses as part of environmental protection efforts.

The MBG meals were supplied by the Sungai Besar Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG). Despite this, the packaging method and the food content were widely viewed as falling short of health standards and balanced nutrition principles. Many observers believe that the bulk distribution system could pose risks, especially if the food is not stored properly before consumption.

Ketapang Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) member Nursiri voiced his concerns regarding the situation. He emphasized that MBG distribution during school holidays requires stricter supervision. According to him, MBG kitchens or SPPG units must ensure that the food provided is safe, nutritious, and fit for consumption.

MBG Menu Disbursed in Arrears Received by Students of SDN 18 Sungai Besar MHS. [Borneotribun/Muzahidin]

Nursiri shared his assessment after conducting a direct inspection at one of the recipient schools on Tuesday, December 23, 2025. During his visit, he found several issues that raised red flags.

“The delivery of MBG meals from the kitchen to schools is unclear and needs serious evaluation. Especially the meals I found during the school holidays, the contents were far from adequate. I worry that if consumed, they could affect students’ health. This has the potential to become a national issue,” he said.

Despite his criticism, Nursiri stressed that the MBG program itself is a positive government initiative that deserves full support. Its main goal is to improve the health and nutritional intake of Indonesian children. However, he warned that poor implementation on the ground could undermine those noble intentions.

He also questioned whether the bulk-distributed MBG meals met proper health standards. In his view, bread containing preservatives and fruits that may not have been properly cleaned could pose health risks, especially when stored and consumed over several days.

“This program from the President has a very noble purpose, to improve the health of Indonesia’s children. But I strongly emphasize that MBG distribution during school holidays must be evaluated, particularly the distribution system, so it does not create negative consequences,” Nursiri concluded.

This case is expected to serve as an important reminder for all relevant parties to ensure that the MBG program truly delivers its intended benefits, while upholding food safety standards, nutritional balance, and compliance with existing regulations.

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