TULUNGAGUNG – Wastewater treatment systems at dozens of nutrition service units supporting Indonesia’s Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program in Tulungagung fail to meet government standards, prompting authorities to order corrective action within six months.

The finding emerged after the Tulungagung Environmental Agency (DLH) carried out monitoring and evaluations of MBG kitchens operating across the regency. Officials said most wastewater treatment installations, known locally as IPAL, require upgrades to comply with current environmental regulations.

Acting DLH head Anang Pratistianto said the issue does not solely stem from management shortcomings. He explained that technical regulations governing wastewater treatment facilities came into effect after many nutrition service units had already begun operations.

“Most wastewater treatment systems at the nutrition service units do not yet meet the required standards. The regulations were introduced after many facilities had already started operating, so operators initially had no clear technical guidelines. We now refer to the current standards and continue providing assistance,” Anang said.

According to DLH data, Tulungagung has 125 nutrition service units under the MBG program. Officials have completed direct inspections at 61 locations. Every inspected facility received recommendations to improve its wastewater management system.

The agency has also summoned representatives from another 24 facilities. Although inspectors have not yet visited those sites, operators have received guidance on the required improvements. DLH has given all affected facilities six months to bring their wastewater treatment systems into compliance.

“We have inspected 61 nutrition service units, and all of them received recommendations for improvement. Operators who attended our briefing sessions also expressed their readiness to make the necessary upgrades,” Anang said.

Inspectors found that insufficient treatment capacity remains the most common problem. Many facilities generate more wastewater than their treatment systems can handle. As a result, some wastewater bypasses the treatment process.

In several locations, operators still rely on older disposal systems. This condition allows wastewater to flow into drainage channels or seep into the ground before treatment.

“The main issue is capacity. The systems are not large enough to accommodate the entire volume of wastewater. Some facilities still depend on older disposal methods,” he said.

Environmental officials warned that the situation could create sanitation and pollution risks if operators fail to act quickly. Poor wastewater management can produce unpleasant odors and affect environmental conditions around kitchen facilities.

DLH has monitored nutrition service units since May and plans to continue inspections across Tulungagung. Officials said they will closely track progress during the six-month compliance period.

If operators fail to complete the required upgrades within the deadline, DLH will report the findings to the MBG Task Force. The agency said it does not have authority to impose sanctions directly.

The wastewater issue drew public attention after residents raised concerns about waste disposal practices at an MBG kitchen located near livestock facilities. The complaint prompted a broader review of wastewater management systems at nutrition service units throughout Tulungagung.