Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has temporarily suspended the operations of 1,512 Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) kitchens across Java Island following an evaluation of operational standards and infrastructure readiness.
BGN’s Director of Monitoring and Supervision for Region II, Albertus Dony Dewantoro, in a statement on Wednesday, noted that the suspension is part of an effort to reorganize the MBG program to ensure all operational facilities meet established health, sanitation, and governance standards.
According to evaluation data, the suspended MBG kitchens—officially called Nutritional Fulfillment Service Units (SPPGs)—are spread across several provinces in Java: 50 units in Jakarta, 62 in Banten, 350 in West Java, 54 in Central Java, 788 in East Java, and 208 in Yogyakarta.
Dewantoro explained that the suspension was prompted by several units failing to meet basic operational requirements, including the lack of a Hygiene and Sanitation Feasibility Certificate (SLHS).
Based on the evaluation results, 1,043 units have yet to register for the required certificate. Additionally, the BGN found that 443 units do not have wastewater treatment systems that meet standards.
Other issues identified include the lack of living quarters for unit heads, nutritionists, and accountants at several service locations. This condition was found at 175 units, consisting of 36 in Banten, 86 in Yogyakarta, 24 in West Java, 10 in Central Java, and 19 in East Java.
The BGN will provide guidance and verification for the affected units to ensure they can promptly fulfill the requirements.
"The suspended SPPGs can operate again gradually after meeting all the necessary operational requirements and standards," he said.
Targeting 82.9 million beneficiaries nationwide, the MBG program was launched on January 6, 2025, aiming to improve the nutritional status of children under five, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and schoolchildren up to the high school level.
The government is set to expand the program to cover older adults and persons with disabilities this year.
According to data from the Coordinating Ministry for Food, as of February 27, 2026, the free meal program has reached 61.2 million beneficiaries across 38 provinces, served by 24,368 SPPGs.
