{
    "success": true,
    "data": {
        "id": 1604469,
        "msgid": "bgn-suspends-1-512-free-meal-kitchens-in-java-following-evaluation-1773212033",
        "date": "2026-03-11 13:17:38",
        "title": "BGN suspends 1,512 free meal kitchens in Java following evaluation",
        "author": "",
        "source": "ANTARA_EN",
        "tags": "",
        "topic": "Social Policy",
        "summary": "The State Nutrition Agency (BGN) has suspended 1,512 free meal kitchen units across Java provinces following an evaluation that identified widespread operational deficiencies, including lack of hygiene certification, inadequate wastewater treatment systems, and missing staff accommodation facilities. The suspension is part of a reorganisation of the government's nationwide free meal program (MBG), which has reached 61.2 million beneficiaries since its January 2025 launch, with affected units permitted to resume operations once they meet all required health, sanitation, and governance standards.",
        "content": "<p>BGN\u2019s Director of Monitoring and Supervision for Region II, Albertus\nDony Dewantoro, in a statement on Wednesday, noted that the suspension\nis part of an effort to reorganize the MBG program to ensure all\noperational facilities meet established health, sanitation, and\ngovernance standards.<\/p>\n<p>According to evaluation data, the suspended MBG kitchens\u2014officially\ncalled Nutritional Fulfillment Service Units (SPPGs)\u2014are spread across\nseveral provinces in Java: 50 units in Jakarta, 62 in Banten, 350 in\nWest Java, 54 in Central Java, 788 in East Java, and 208 in\nYogyakarta.<\/p>\n<p>Dewantoro explained that the suspension was prompted by several units\nfailing to meet basic operational requirements, including the lack of a\nHygiene and Sanitation Feasibility Certificate (SLHS).<\/p>\n<p>Based on the evaluation results, 1,043 units have yet to register for\nthe required certificate. Additionally, the BGN found that 443 units do\nnot have wastewater treatment systems that meet standards.<\/p>\n<p>Other issues identified include the lack of living quarters for unit\nheads, nutritionists, and accountants at several service locations. This\ncondition was found at 175 units, consisting of 36 in Banten, 86 in\nYogyakarta, 24 in West Java, 10 in Central Java, and 19 in East\nJava.<\/p>\n<p>The BGN will provide guidance and verification for the affected units\nto ensure they can promptly fulfill the requirements.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe suspended SPPGs can operate again gradually after meeting all\nthe necessary operational requirements and standards,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>Targeting 82.9 million beneficiaries nationwide, the MBG program was\nlaunched on January 6, 2025, aiming to improve the nutritional status of\nchildren under five, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and\nschoolchildren up to the high school level.<\/p>\n<p>The government is set to expand the program to cover older adults and\npersons with disabilities this year.<\/p>\n<p>According to data from the Coordinating Ministry for Food, as of\nFebruary 27, 2026, the free meal program has reached 61.2 million\nbeneficiaries across 38 provinces, served by 24,368 SPPGs.<\/p>\n<p>Related news: Minister says MBG program covers 97% of secondary\nschools<\/p>\n<p>Related news: BGN urges SPPGs to upload free meal program\u2019s menus on\nsocial media<\/p>\n<p>Related news: Government: Free Nutritious Meals program doesn\u2019t cut\neducation budget<\/p>\n<p>Translator: Lintang Budiyanti, Raka Adji<\/p>",
        "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/bgn-suspends-1-512-free-meal-kitchens-in-java-following-evaluation-1773212033",
        "image": ""
    },
    "sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
    "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}