September 29, 2025 | 08:23 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Tempo English compiled the top 3 news on Monday, September 29, 2025. Here are the highlights: Indonesia's Free Meal Program to Continue Despite 6,000+ Poisoning Cases; Experts Identify Salmonella and Bacillus Cereus in Free Nutritious Meal Poisoning Probe;Jakarta Police Tap Ride-Hailing Drivers to Report Crimes with Rp500,000 Rewards.
The following is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today:
1. Indonesia's Free Meal Program to Continue Despite 6,000+ Poisoning Cases
Coordinating Minister for People's Empowerment Muhaimin Iskandar emphasized that the government will continue the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program. This statement addresses the widespread food poisoning cases and demands from various parties to discontinue the program.
Muhaimin, referring to the MBG as a priority program of President Prabowo Subianto, stressed its importance for the equal distribution of nutrition for the nation's children.
"We must not stop halfway. In line with the President's words, this is a hurdle that we must face in the initial stages of implementing a major program," he said in a written statement on Sunday, September 28, 2025.
However, Cak Imin, as he is often called, stated that the government will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to prevent further poisoning cases, affirming that the government will not overlook the events that have occurred.
2. Experts Identify Salmonella and Bacillus Cereus in Free Nutritious Meal Poisoning Probe
Health expert Tjandra Yoga Aditama highlights the results of laboratory tests related to mass poisoning cases in Indonesia's Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program in West Java, including West Bandung Regency. Based on the regional health laboratory report, Salmonella and Bacillus cereus bacteria were found in several food samples that were tested.
According to Tjandra, this finding aligns with global references. "Salmonella bacterial contamination is usually associated with high-protein foods such as meat, poultry, and eggs. Meanwhile, Bacillus cereus often appears due to improper rice storage," Tjandra said in a written statement on Saturday, September 27th, 2025.
The former Director of Communicable Diseases at the World Health Organization (WHO) for Southeast Asia emphasized that food poisoning can occur in various parts of the world and is not always associated with the MBG program.
However, to ensure the cause, it is recommended that laboratories in Indonesia conduct more comprehensive testing in accordance with WHO guidelines.
3. Indonesian Govt to Require Companies to Report Job Vacancies Starting 2026
The Indonesian Manpower Ministry will enforce mandatory reporting of job vacancies for all companies starting in 2026. This policy applies to private companies, SOEs, and regional-owned enterprises, and the reporting will be done through the "Karirhub" (career hub) channel on the ministry's SIAPkerja platform.
"Currently, it is still in the advisory stage. But next year, we will firmly enforce it; it's time to make it mandatory," said the Head of the Labor Market Center of the Manpower Ministry, Surya Lukita Warman, during a media briefing at the ministry's Manpower Market building, Jakarta, on Friday, September 26, 2025.
Surya stated that the provision is based on Presidential Regulation Number 57 of 2023 concerning Mandatory Reporting of Job Vacancies (WLLP). The regulation requires employers to report their labor needs and how they place workers.
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Indonesia Rights Body Probes Human Rights Concerns in MBG Food Poisonings
52 menit lalu
The National Commission on Human Rights will directly investigate the mass poisoning cases related to the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program.
Indonesia's MBG Program Should Be Paused After Poisonings, Economists Say
1 jam lalu
A group of Indonesian economists voiced their concerns and urged the government to pause the MBG program due to significant budget allocation and perceived inefficiency.
Prabowo Says MBG Food Poisoning Cases Only 0.0017% of Total Beneficiaries
2 jam lalu
Prabowo said the food poisoning cases linked to the free nutritious meal program amount to only 0.0017 percent of its 30 million beneficiaries.
Indonesia to Provide Rp100,000 Daily Incentives for Teachers Overseeing Free Meals
2 jam lalu
Teachers overseeing the government's free meal (MBG) program will receive Rp100,000 per day, with the Education Ministry finalizing the scheme.
Indonesia's Free Meal Budget Boosted to Rp99 Trillion
7 jam lalu
BGN head explained that President Prabowo Subianto initially aimed for a Rp100 trillion boost for the Free Meal or MBG Program.
8,000+ Indonesian Children Sickened: JPPI Urges Free Meal Kitchen Evaluation
8 jam lalu
The number of children affected by food poisoning linked to the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program has continued to soar.
BGN Assures Full Responsibility for Food Poisoning Incidents in Free Meal Program
8 jam lalu
BGN assured the government's financial responsibility for all victims of food poisoning resulting from the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) Program.
Indonesian Govt Discloses Evaluation Results on Free Nutritious Meal Poisoning
11 jam lalu
After a coordination meeting, the government announced 6 points regarding the continuation of the free nutritious meal program.
Indonesian Govt Accelerates Eligibility Certification for Free Meal Kitchens to Prevent Poisoning
12 jam lalu
Following the widespread poisoning from the free nutritious meal program, the Health Ministry is targeting all SPPGs to obtain a hygiene certificate.
Today's Top 3 News: Experts Identify Salmonella and Bacillus Cereus in Free Nutritious Meal Poisoning Probe
1 hari lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
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