BGN Chief Sudaryono Issues Ultimatum to MBG Kitchens: Meet Standards or Shut Down
The Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Sudaryono, has sent a stern warning to all Nutritional Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG) to comply with food safety, nutritional quality, hygiene, and governance standards in the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme. SPPGs that remain stubborn and fail to improve after receiving guidance will have their operations terminated.
The warning was delivered by Sudaryono during a surprise inspection (sidak) of several MBG kitchens in Bogor on Friday (24/7/2026). During the inspection, he emphasised that the MBG programme is a state mandate that must be carried out responsibly and cannot be compromised by negligence in its execution.
“We will fix it, we will reprimand, and if they cannot improve, we will shut them down. If they cannot meet the safety, nutritional, quality, and good operational standards, we must act. Don’t let a small mistake spoil everything,” Sudaryono said in a statement.
Sudaryono explained that BGN will prioritise providing guidance to SPPGs that still have shortcomings. However, if managers or officers remain undisciplined and ignore the established standards, BGN will not hesitate to impose sanctions, including the cessation of operations.
“If the SPPG is stubborn, if the SPPG is not disciplined, if the officers are not disciplined or not good, we must stop them. We have to be brave. We reward the good ones, and we must punish the bad ones,” he asserted.
On the occasion, Sudaryono also conveyed a message to all SPPG heads, nutrition supervisors, financial supervisors, and MBG kitchen volunteers to carry out their duties with full responsibility and conscience. He stated that the success of the MBG programme is determined not only by adherence to operational standards but also by the commitment of all officers to ensure the food served is truly safe, fit for consumption, and nutritious for the beneficiaries.
“So, my message to all SPPG heads, nutrition supervisors, accountants, and all kitchen staff is that we work with heart. Working is not just about earning money or simply feeding people, no! It must be done with care,” he said.
He stressed that all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), implementation guidelines (juklak), and technical instructions (juknis) remain the primary reference for running the MBG programme. However, officers are also urged to use common sense and empathy when assessing the quality of the food to be served.
“So, the guidelines and SOPs must still be implemented, but on top of that, look at it with common sense, with heart, with good reason,” he said.
Sudaryono explained that the unannounced random inspections were conducted to obtain an objective picture of the MBG programme’s implementation in the field. Besides monitoring, the visits also served as a form of appreciation for SPPGs that have been operating in accordance with the technical instructions.
From the monitoring results at SPPG Pasir Kuda 03, SPPG Cipaku 02, and SPPG Tegal Bundil 5, he assessed that most MBG kitchens have been operating according to the established standards. Nevertheless, he noted that a remaining challenge is maintaining quality while ensuring menu variety so that beneficiaries do not get bored.
“For those already doing well, the only challenge left is menu variation. So that the children and mothers who consume the meals do not get bored,” he remarked.
Sudaryono also requested SPPG heads to immediately report any deficiencies found to their partners or foundations so that service quality can be continuously improved. He emphasised that every SPPG achievement is the result of the hard work of all officers and deserves appreciation, while every shortcoming will be followed up through guidance and evaluation as part of continuous improvement.
Furthermore, he invited the public and the media to participate in overseeing the implementation of the MBG programme by providing feedback if they find services that do not meet standards.