September 17, 2025 | 08:50 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Nahdlatul Ulama's wing, Rabithah Ma'ahid Islamiyah (RMI-NU) DKI Jakarta, is urging the Trade Ministry to impose a moratorium on the import of food trays used for the government's free nutritious meal (MBG) project due to the suspected use of pork grease or lard.
"We hope the government will impose a moratorium and stop the import of problematic food trays from the perspective of what is halal and thayyiban," said Rakhmad Zailani Kiki, Chair of RMI-NU DKI Jakarta, in Central Jakarta on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.
The suspected pig content is believed to be in the lard used as a lubricant during the food tray's production in China. Laboratory tests conducted in China by the Shanghai Weipu Testing Technology Group reportedly showed the use of pork grease in the manufacturing process.
Rakhmad stated that halal assurance is not limited to food or beverages. He explained that it also applies to finished goods, including the food trays themselves. This means that the production process of a product is crucial in determining its halal status. "This is a very sensitive issue in Islamic boarding schools," he said.
In addition to addressing the suspected pig content, Rakhmad cautioned the government to ensure it purchases high-quality food trays. He suspects that the low-quality, rust-prone trays may have contributed to recent cases of food poisoning from the free nutritious meal project.
Rakhmad plans to visit the Ministry of Trade's office on Thursday, September 18, 2025, to formally propose the moratorium on the import of food trays for the MBG. If the government does not respond, he plans to hold a meeting with members of parliament and, if necessary, file a lawsuit to halt the imports.
"This is not a competition between local and imported businesses. This is about the findings that are harmful to our nation," he concluded.
Editor’s Choice: Latest Facts About MBG Food Tray: Allegedly Contains Pork Fat
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Latest Facts About MBG Food Tray: Allegedly Contains Pork Fat
10 jam lalu
The issue of free nutritious meal (MBG) food trays in Indonesia allegedly containing pork fat continues to circulate.
Pork Grease Found in Food Trays for Indonesia's Free Meal Program
23 jam lalu
Nahdlatul Ulama Jakarta's official first discovered the use of pork grease or lard while visiting a food tray factory in China.
Brebes School Asks Parents to Waive Rights Over Free Meal Risks
1 hari lalu
The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has addressed a controversial statement letter related to the Free Nutritious Meals in Brebes.
Why Is Prabowo's Video Screening in Indonesian Cinemas Stirring Controversy?
3 hari lalu
The screening of a video showcasing the government's achievements in local cinemas has sparked criticism, with netizens urging audiences to arrive late to avoid watching the screening.
Indonesia at 80: Free Meals Today, Strength Tomorrow?
4 hari lalu
Placing MBG within the long arc toward Indonesia Emas reframes the challenge.
MUI Calls for Suspension of Free Nutritious Meal Program If Trays Are Proven Non-Halal
7 hari lalu
The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has expressed its support for the government's Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) Program.
Indonesia's Free Nutritious Meal Program Receives Halal Certification
8 hari lalu
President Prabowo Subianto designated the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program as a national strategic project.
INDEF Reports Thousands of Students Poisoned by Free Nutritious Meals Since January
12 hari lalu
Institute for Development of Economics and Finance (Indef) reports that as many as 4,000 students have become victims of poisoning from the Free Nutritious Meal program.
INDEF Warns Rp335 Trillion MBG Budget Could Strain Fiscal Capacity
12 hari lalu
INDEF also assesses that the large budget for the MBG program has the potential to cut allocations for important sectors such as education and health.
Controversy over MBG Using Nearly Half of Indonesia's Education Budget
13 hari lalu
President Prabowo prefers to allocate education budget to Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program rather than implementing the ruling on free schools.
