Dinda Shabrina, Jakarta – Indonesia's Association of Education and Teachers (P2G) has criticized the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) for issuing Circular Letter No. 5 of 2025, which provides incentives for teachers tasked with supervising the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program in schools.
P2G argues that the policy shifts responsibility for the recent widespread food poisoning cases linked to the program onto teachers.
"In our view, with the issuance of this circular, it is reasonable to suspect that the National Nutrition Body is attempting to evade responsibility for the wave of MBG poisoning in schools," said Iman Zanatul Haeri, Head of P2G's Advocacy Department, in a written statement received by Tempo on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.
Iman warned that transferring supervisory responsibility to teachers could lead to new problems, particularly concerning occupational safety, workload, and even the risk of criminalization should poisoning incidents occur.
He stressed that teachers lack the competence to conduct food safety checks and should not be held accountable for contamination cases.
"If detection is done by tasting, it puts their lives in danger," he added.
He also criticized the Rp100,000 daily incentive for teachers designated as MBG supervisors, calling it inadequate compared to the risks involved.
According to Iman, the policy could result in teachers being the first to face blame if food poisoning occurs in schools.
P2G further highlighted the inconsistency of the incentive policy with the plight of honorary teachers, many of whom are still waiting for promised government aid.
Data from P2G's Complaint Post shows that 518 honorary teachers, or 97 percent of registrants, have not received the Rp300,000 monthly allowance pledged by President Prabowo Subianto.
"If BGN can provide Rp100,000 per day for MBG supervisors, shouldn't it be easier for the government to pay honorary teachers Rp3 million per month? Why is it so difficult to improve their welfare?" Iman questioned.
In response, P2G is urging the government to impose a moratorium and carry out a comprehensive evaluation of the MBG program.
The association is also calling for the withdrawal of regulations assigning teachers as supervisors and for stronger governance measures to ensure the program is effective without endangering the safety of both teachers and students.