The Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme in Pamekasan Regency, East\nJava, drew scrutiny after the Nutritional Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG)\nin Pademawu, Buddagan served raw marinated catfish to beneficiaries. The\ndispute over the menu led to the temporary suspension of the MBG\nprogramme kitchen\u2019s operations in the area.<\/p>\n
Albertus Dony Dewantoro, Director of Monitoring and Supervision for\nRegion II at the National Nutrition Board (BGN), stated that the\noperational suspension was implemented because the controversy was\ndeemed to have hindered the MBG programme\u2019s food distribution\nprocess.<\/p>\n
\u201cBased on the consideration of BGN leadership, the issue is assessed\nto have obstructed the distribution process within the MBG programme.\nTherefore, the operational activities of the Pamekasan Pademawu Buddagan\nSPPG are temporarily suspended,\u201d Dony said in a statement on Wednesday,\n11 March 2026.<\/p>\n
The suspension was carried out as a follow-up to evaluate the food\npreparation and serving process within the MBG programme. During the\nsuspension period, relevant parties will conduct coaching and improve\noperational systems to ensure food distribution runs in accordance with\nregulations.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe SPPG operations will resume after the evaluation, coaching, and\nimprovements process is declared complete by the competent authorities,\u201d\nhe added.<\/p>\n
The menu controversy emerged after a video showing raw catfish being\ndistributed to students at a school in Pamekasan Regency went viral on\nsocial media on Monday, 9 March. In the footage, the catfish serving\nunder the MBG programme appeared uncooked, sparking public concern.<\/p>\n
Fikri Kuttawakil, Nutritionist at Pamekasan Pademawu Buddagan SPPG,\nexplained that the use of marinated catfish in the menu was based on\nnutritional and food security considerations.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe used marinated catfish for two reasons: first, to prevent\nnutrient loss in the catfish and to increase protein intake that day.\nMarinated, the catfish can also remain fresh for up to one day,\u201d he\nexplained.<\/p>\n
The Pamekasan Pademawu Buddagan SPPG serves 3,329 beneficiaries,\ncomprising senior high school, junior high school, and special education\nstudents, early childhood and kindergarten children, educators, as well\nas pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young children in the\nregion.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/free-nutritious-meal-controversy-raw-marinated-catfish-leads-to-kitchen-closure-1773287544", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }