BGN Permanently Closes 1,300 Problematic SPPG Kitchens

Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Sudaryono has taken firm action by permanently closing around 1,300 Nutrition Service Fulfilment Units (SPPG) deemed problematic. The decision was made following a thorough evaluation of safety and service quality standards, in the wake of a food poisoning incident in Berastagi.

Sudaryono detailed that during his three weeks in office, 800 kitchens were closed in the initial phase, followed by a further 500 units based on the latest evaluation. The measure aims to ensure the safety of beneficiaries, especially children, so they are protected from health risks arising from the consumption of unfit food.

“If they do not meet the standards in my system, then with a heavy heart I must close them permanently,” Sudaryono asserted at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Monday (17/8).

To tighten oversight, BGN is considering the use of chemical test kits in every SPPG kitchen. These tools serve to detect hazardous content such as arsenic or spoiled food conditions that cannot be detected solely through organoleptic methods (seeing, smelling, and tasting).

Sudaryono cited the success of SPPG kitchens managed by the Indonesian National Police’s Bhayangkari organisation, which have implemented test kits and have proven to have zero poisoning cases. Nevertheless, he stressed that of the total 27,000 kitchens in operation, the majority have been delivering services to a good standard.

In addition to closing units, BGN will also take action against personnel, including civil servant candidates (PPPK), who are unable to meet the established work standards. Meanwhile, regarding the incentive policy of Rp6 million per day for SPPG, Sudaryono stated that this is still under further evaluation.

According to Sudaryono, this firm action is a form of protection for other SPPG partners who have worked in accordance with regulations, while also safeguarding the integrity of the national nutrition fulfilment programme.