62 Nutrition Service Units Temporarily Halted During Ramadan, Menu Quality in Spotlight

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has temporarily halted the operations of 62 Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG) during the month of Ramadan 2026. This step was taken following findings that the menu quality did not meet standards in the Free Nutritious Meals Programme (MBG). “During this Ramadan, 62 SPPG have been temporarily halted due to poor menu quality out of the 25,000 SPPG already operational,” said Head of BGN, Dadan Hindayana, in his statement on Thursday (19/3/2026). “Once something goes viral due to poor menu quality or minimal portions, we temporarily halt the SPPG,” Dadan added. He noted that from a total of around 25,000 SPPG in operation, only a small portion is affected by the temporary suspension. According to him, most of the emerging cases are reports from the public regarding poor food quality. “The viral ones are mostly public reports. Mostly about poor menu or food quality,” Dadan explained. Nevertheless, Dadan believes this phenomenon does not reflect the overall implementation of the programme. He described it as a ‘silent majority’ and ‘vocal minority’ situation, where the majority of programme implementers are working well, while only a few cases draw public attention. According to him, public oversight is an important part in ensuring the quality of the national nutrition fulfilment programme remains maintained. “I thank all the public who continue to monitor the Nutritious Meals Programme. With public reports and virality, we can easily detect all the shortcomings occurring in the field,” he said.