80 MBG Kitchens in Central Lombok Closed, Here's the Reason

As many as 80 kitchens for the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme in Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), have had their operations halted. The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has temporarily stopped them because the kitchens do not yet meet basic standards, such as Wastewater Treatment Installations (IPAL) and Sanitation Hygiene Certificates (SHLS). “That (policy) is from the centre or from the Director of Monitoring and Supervision of BGN. That’s what issued the suspension letter,” said the Regional Coordinator (Korwil) of BGN in Central Lombok, Muhammad Ikhsan, to detikBali on Wednesday (1/4/2026) via telephone. According to Ikhsan, the suspension of operations for the 80 Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG) is outlined in letter number: 1218/D.TWS/03/2026 dated 31 March 2026, signed by the Director of Monitoring and Supervision for Region III, Rudi Setiawan. “There are two (policies) that caused the kitchens to be suspended. Meaning temporarily closed or temporarily halting operations. Namely, IPAL and then SHLS,” he said. Of the total 168 SPPG in Central Lombok, nearly half do not yet have SHLS from the Health Department and do not have IPAL. This condition prompted BGN to take firm action so that kitchen owners can immediately make improvements. “Regarding IPAL. Then for SHLS, there are several that were already operational recently, but still haven’t completed SLAS. That’s what caused the suspension like that,” he explained. Following the temporary suspension, BGN is giving partners two weeks to complete all requirements since the letter was issued. “That’s why the faster the partners complete it, the quicker it will be. Once done, the partners must prove it with photos or videos and other evidence so it can be reactivated,” he added. Ikhsan emphasised that this policy does not only apply in Central Lombok but is also implemented throughout NTB. The total number of kitchens temporarily halted reaches 302 units. “So we are also ensuring that the children, especially the beneficiaries, particularly in Central Lombok Regency, receive MBG packages from kitchens that already meet standards. So the standards are according to those set by the national licensing agency, back to food safety standards, including facilities and infrastructure also in accordance with the existing procedures,” he stressed. BGN, according to Ikhsan, will not compromise with partners who do not meet standards, including environmental aspects and operational procedures. He assessed that the MBG programme must be run optimally. “So don’t let us provide good benefits, but on the other side there’s something bad too. That’s what we really avoid, like that,” he said. Meanwhile, the exact number of affected beneficiaries is not yet known. BGN is still conducting data collection following the operational suspension. “We’ll recap that. Hopefully, with this suspension, the partners become more aware, more caring. This isn’t for anyone, it’s actually for them too, the position of this suspension, the partners also get benefits, and the beneficiaries also get benefits,” he concluded.