Salman Mardira, Jakarta – Indonesia's Free Nutritious Meal program faces controversy after allegations that food trays imported from China were coated with pork oil, forbidden in the Muslim-majority country.
Head of the Presidential Communication Office (PCO), Hasan Nasbi, said such allegations can be verified through laboratory tests conducted by the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM).
"If verification is needed, for example, regarding these trays, they can be tested. Once the trays arrive here, they can be examined by BPOM or even by independent laboratories to see whether the allegation is true," Hasan said, as quoted by Antara on Wednesday.
Hasan urged the public not to blindly believe such information. According to him, every piece of information circulating in public should be verified by the proper authorities to avoid unnecessary commotion in society.
So far, no evidence has been found to support the claim that the trays contain pork oil. "That's why it is important not to easily fall for sensitive issues. They must be thoroughly checked," he said.
Earlier, the Nahdlatul Ulama Student Association (IPNU) urged the government to ensure that the MBG program's food trays are safe, healthy, and halal.
Chairman of the IPNU Central Board, Muhammad Agil Nuruz Zaman, argued that using imported products carries risks regarding both quality and halal certification, and therefore production should be entrusted to local manufacturers.
IPNU official Ahmad Muzakki Wafa revealed that the organization is currently conducting laboratory tests at Sucofindo on two samples of imported trays from China.
The test was initiated following suspicions that animal-based lubricants, including those prohibited for Muslims, were used in the manufacturing process of the products. By contrast, local production reportedly uses plant-based lubricants considered safer and compliant with halal standards.
IPNU expressed hope that the laboratory results, expected within the next 1-2 days, could serve as a basis for the government to support domestic products while ensuring the safety and blessings of the MBG program.