TULUNGAGUNG – Indonesia’s Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program in Tulungagung has temporarily suspended operations at 18 nutrition service units after they failed to meet operational standards set by the National Nutrition Agency (BGN).
The affected facilities, known as Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG), received suspension orders following evaluations that identified shortcomings in infrastructure, service quality, kitchen management, and staffing requirements.
Sebrina Mahardika, BGN’s regional coordinator for Tulungagung, said the suspensions came directly from the agency’s headquarters. The action follows stricter oversight measures introduced in 2026.
“Currently, 18 SPPGs remain under suspension. The reasons vary, some are related to infrastructure and facilities, while others involve staffing changes or resignations among BGN personnel assigned to the units,” Sebrina said on Tuesday.
The move reflects the government’s efforts to strengthen quality control within the nationwide MBG program, one of Indonesia’s flagship initiatives aimed at improving nutritional intake among schoolchildren and other beneficiaries.
Under the enhanced monitoring system, BGN now assesses not only kitchen facilities and building conditions but also menu quality, food service standards, and overall operational management. Officials have also increased scrutiny of procurement practices to ensure transparency and supply chain resilience.
One key requirement mandates that each SPPG maintain at least 15 suppliers to prevent dependency on a limited number of vendors. According to Sebrina, many kitchens still fall short of that target.
“Most units currently work with only three to five suppliers, while the minimum requirement is 15. We want to avoid situations where procurement is controlled by only one or a few suppliers,” she explained.
Facilities placed under suspension must address all deficiencies identified during inspections before they can resume operations. The duration of each suspension will depend on how quickly operators implement the necessary improvements.
“If infrastructure, management systems, or operational procedures do not meet the required standards, the suspension remains in place. The timeline depends entirely on how fast the partners complete the corrective actions,” Sebrina said.
Despite the temporary closures, authorities assured that meal distribution to beneficiaries will continue without interruption. Students and other recipients previously served by suspended kitchens will receive meals from nearby SPPGs that remain operational.
“Beneficiaries will continue receiving services. Active SPPGs in neighboring areas will provide coverage through coordination with district-level coordinators,” she added.
Tulungagung currently has 129 SPPGs supporting the MBG program. That figure could change as BGN continues routine inspections and evaluations.
Sebrina warned that additional suspensions remain possible. More units could face sanctions if inspectors discover problems involving infrastructure, governance, management, or meal quality.
The latest action highlights the government’s commitment to enforcing national standards. Officials want all MBG providers to deliver safe and high-quality nutrition services as the program expands nationwide.