BGN Evaluates MBG Kitchens in Karo, to Adopt Chemical Testing from Police SPPG
Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Sudaryono said there is an evaluation of the Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG) in Berastagi, Karo Regency, North Sumatra, after hundreds of students suffered poisoning from the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) menu. BGN will conduct chemical tests on MBG food at every SPPG.
“Yes, there is an evaluation. This poisoning is not only checked organoleptically by smell, taste, or tasting. There was no problem with the smell, no issue when tasted, and it was ultimately consumed,” said Sudaryono at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Monday (17/8/2026).
Following the MBG poisoning incident, BGN is considering chemical testing. This test replicates the method used by SPPG units managed by the Indonesian National Police.
“So we are currently considering implementing test kits in every kitchen. The food will be tested with chemicals to check for arsenic, spoilage, or other hazardous substances,” said Sudaryono.
“We are learning from the success of SPPG units, some of which are managed by Bhayangkari from the Police, which use test kits and have recorded no poisoning cases to date. We do not want anyone to be poisoned again,” he continued.
Sudaryono said his agency is targeting zero poisoning cases for MBG. However, he cautioned that one incident at an SPPG does not mean the entire MBG programme is flawed.
“Of the 27,000 kitchens, thank God most are working well, and we must strive to make the good ones even better. We are evaluating those that are not yet good. Those that cannot be evaluated or improved, I apologise, but I must close them. For personnel who cannot meet the high standards I have set, I apologise, but I must remove them or terminate their ASN PPPK status. That is roughly the situation,” he said.
Sudaryono revealed that BGN has closed 1,300 SPPG units over the past three weeks. He wants to maintain well-managed SPPG units so their performance can continue to improve.
“If there are still those that have not improved and refuse to improve, I apologise, but for the sake of someone’s life, for the sake of someone’s health, for the sake of fulfilling the nutrition of all our children, for the sake of the excellence of this programme—the intention is good, the goal is good, but the implementation cannot follow—it must be permanently closed,” Sudaryono stressed.
“I do not care who owns the SPPG. I do not look at that; I look at the system. If it does not meet the standards in my system, then with a heavy heart I must close it permanently. That is roughly the situation,” he added.