Academic Urges Corrective Action Over Suspected Free Meal Food Poisoning - Tempo.co English

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Cecep Darmawan, a Professor of Political Science at the Indonesia University of Education (UPI), emphasized that the handling of the suspected food poisoning case linked to the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program must be followed by concrete corrective measures if any weaknesses or negligence are identified.

"If weaknesses or negligence are found, there must be clear corrective action. If the issue is traced to a specific aspect, that aspect must be rectified," Cecep said in Jakarta on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.

He added that transparency—acknowledging the issue, identifying the cause, taking responsibility for the impact, and improving the system—is crucial for rebuilding public trust.

"For any public program utilizing state resources and affecting the public interest, accountability is non-negotiable, especially when issues arise that directly impact the community," Cecep stated.

He also highlighted Vice President Gibran Rakabuming’s visit to Batang and the apology he extended to the victims and their families, noting that such actions demonstrate a leader's sense of responsibility and empathy.

"I view that move as an expression of responsibility and empathy," Cecep said.

However, he stressed that this response must be followed by an objective, evidence-based investigation to clearly understand the issue.

"Transparency does not mean the government should rush to conclusions. Rather, transparency means the investigation is conducted objectively and based on evidence, with results disclosed openly once sufficient facts have been gathered," he explained.

He stated that the investigation's findings should serve as the basis for determining corrective measures if weaknesses in the program's implementation are discovered.

Previously, Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka apologized to the children and families affected by the suspected food poisoning in Batang Regency, Central Java, and ensured that all victims received medical treatment until recovery without incurring any medical costs. Vice President Gibran inspected the condition of patients receiving care at Limpung Regional General Hospital (RSUD) and the Bawang Community Health Center (Puskesmas) in Batang Regency on Monday (September 28).

"The top priority is the health of the victims. Patients currently under care must receive treatment until they recover, while residents who have been discharged but experience a recurrence of symptoms must still have easy access to follow-up examinations," the Vice President said.

At Limpung RSUD, Gibran spoke with a young patient named Arsenio, who had been undergoing treatment for four days.