BLITAR – Free Nutritious Meal kitchens in Blitar Regency have faced a major setback after authorities temporarily suspended operations at 23 nutrition service units for failing to meet wastewater treatment requirements.
The affected facilities, known as Satuan Pelayanan Pemenuhan Gizi (SPPG), support Indonesia’s Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program. Officials found that the kitchens either lacked wastewater treatment systems or operated with facilities that did not meet required standards.
The issue has raised concerns because several kitchens had already started operations despite incomplete wastewater management infrastructure. Under MBG regulations, every SPPG must install a proper wastewater treatment facility, known as an IPAL, before serving beneficiaries.
The Blitar Regency Government, through its MBG Task Force, recently reviewed SPPG facilities across the region. The assessment found that some kitchens had installed wastewater systems, but many still failed to comply with technical requirements.
As a result, authorities suspended operations at 23 SPPG locations on May 25. The affected facilities include SPPGs in Kademangan Plosorejo, Kanigoro Gaprang, Tlogo 3, Jugo, Tawangsari, Sidodadi, Udanawu Sukorejo, Gandusari Tulungrejo, Kleunan, Plumpungrejo, Kunir, Pojok, Jeblog, Srengat 2, Sawentar, Sidodadi 2, Ponggok Karangbendo 2, Krenceng, Jatilenger, Kunir 2, and Karangbendo.
Rully, a local government official involved in the monitoring process, said authorities delivered suspension notices directly to the affected operators.
“These 23 SPPGs have been temporarily suspended since May 25. Authorities sent the notification directly to the respective operators, not to the local government,” he said.
Following the suspension, Blitar Regent Rijanto instructed the MBG Task Force to monitor conditions in the field and assist affected operators. Several regional government agencies participate in the task force under the coordination of the Regional Development Planning, Research, and Innovation Agency (Bapperida).
According to Rully, the monitoring effort aims to ensure the continuity of the MBG program. Officials also want to identify areas that could face service disruptions because of the temporary closures.
The task force discussed the issue during a coordination meeting on June 1. Officials then used the meeting’s conclusions to launch follow-up inspections at affected locations.
Meanwhile, local officials have already visited one of the suspended kitchens. During the inspection, the operator acknowledged that its wastewater treatment facility remained incomplete and required further improvements.
“There is one location we have already inspected. The operator admitted that the wastewater treatment system is not yet fully compliant and is currently making improvements while applying to resume operations,” Rully said.
Task force members presented data showing that Blitar Regency currently has around 117 SPPG facilities. With 23 kitchens temporarily inactive, the number of operational units could decline until operators complete the required upgrades and pass verification.
However, the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has not yet issued guidance regarding the impact on meal recipients. The agency also has not announced whether it will transfer services to other operational kitchens.
“That authority belongs to BGN. We are still waiting for further policy directions while continuing our monitoring efforts,” Rully said.
Officials will continue monitoring affected facilities in the coming weeks. They hope operators can complete the required improvements quickly so the kitchens can resume services and support the government’s nutrition program.