Customs Clarifies Role in MBG Food Tray Controversy as BPOM Probes Pork Oil Allegation
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JAKARTA, Investortrust.id — Indonesia’s Directorate General of Customs and Excise has clarified its role in the controversy surrounding food trays used in the government’s free nutritious meals program, known as MBG, which have been suspected of containing pork oil. Customs said on Thursday, Sept 4, 2025, that the agency does not physically inspect each imported item as long as documentation and import codes are in order.
Director of Communication and Service User Guidance at Customs Nirwala Dwi Heryanto said import checks rely on permits and requirements already set by the government. If these are met, the goods are cleared without item-by-item examination.
“As long as there is no prohibition or restriction attached, we do not inspect one by one,” Nirwala said at the Customs headquarters in Jakarta. He explained that compliance is determined by the Harmonized System (HS) import code. “The MBG requirement is that the trays be stainless steel. But when it comes to production processes or materials, that falls beyond our inspection authority,” he added.
The case has drawn attention after allegations surfaced that the trays may contain traces of pork oil. Nirwala emphasized that the appropriate authority to test such content is the National Agency of Drug and Food Control, or BPOM.
Trade Minister Budi Santoso, speaking earlier on Friday, Aug 29, 2025, said his office is awaiting BPOM’s inspection results before confirming the allegation. “We are waiting for the BPOM inspection to determine whether this is true or not,” Budi said at the Jakarta Convention Center in Senayan.
To prevent similar issues, Budi proposed that MBG food trays should be subject to mandatory Indonesian National Standards, known as SNI, to ensure product quality and safety for schoolchildren. “We encourage food trays to be subject to mandatory SNI. That way, requirements are clear, ensuring safety and reliability,” he said.
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