18 Nutrition Service Units in Tulungagung Suspended Over Supplier Monopoly

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has temporarily suspended the operations of 18 Nutrition Service Fulfilment Units (SPPG) in Tulungagung Regency, East Java. The firm action was taken following findings of facilities and infrastructure that did not meet standards, as well as strong indications of supplier monopoly practices.

BGN Tulungagung Regional Coordinator Sabrina Mahardika explained that the evaluation was part of efforts to improve food safety standards and the quality of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme. Based on audit results, several SPPGs were found to be engaging only three to five suppliers.

“The results of our evaluation showed that some SPPGs only had three to five suppliers. This is clearly below the minimum requirement of 15 suppliers,” Sabrina stated, as quoted from Antara on Sunday (14/6).

In addition to the supplier issue, the temporary suspension was triggered by kitchen conditions that did not meet eligibility standards. The BGN also highlighted the risk of extraordinary events (KLB), such as suspected food poisoning, which must be anticipated through stricter regulation.

Regarding the alleged monopoly, the BGN has established strict rules requiring each SPPG to have a minimum of 15 suppliers. This policy aims to maintain transparency and prevent unilateral profits for certain groups within the nutritious food provision ecosystem.

Sabrina emphasised that the duration of the suspension is not fixed. Operational status can be restored immediately once the relevant SPPGs have carried out comprehensive improvements and met the standards set by the central BGN.

Monitoring and evaluation processes are still ongoing in the field. The BGN Tulungagung office stated that the number of kitchens affected by operational sanctions remains dynamic and could change at any time, depending on further analysis of management and menu quality at each service unit.