BGN Says 40% of 1,043 Nutrition Service Units in Java Already Registered for Hygiene Certification

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has temporarily halted operations of 1,512 nutrition service units (SPPG) in Region II as part of an evaluation programme. BGN states that the majority of closed SPPG units lack the Hygiene Sanitation Certification (SLHS).

BGN Special Staff Redy Hendra Gunawan stated that the SLHS requirement will not result in prolonged closure of the 1,043 SPPG units. Gunawan noted that approximately 40% of SPPG units have already begun processing their SLHS applications.

“Around 30-40 per cent have already registered for SLHS. The rest are still in process,” said Redy when contacted on Thursday (12 March 2026).

“The temporary suspension is not for just one month, two weeks, or three weeks. This temporary suspension is meant to ensure they obtain their SLHS permits promptly,” he added.

Gunawan stated that some recipients of the Free Nutritious Meals Programme (MBG) will be temporarily suspended. However, he emphasised that certain SPPG units are capable of covering the gap created by the temporary suspension based on available portion allocations.

“Those closures requiring time will have their beneficiaries temporarily suspended. Since they cannot be covered by other SPPG units, other SPPG units are already serving their own beneficiaries,” he explained.

“Some are able to provide coverage. For instance, an SPPG serving 2,000 portions might close, but a nearby SPPG in the same sub-district or even village serves only 1,500 portions. This can still provide coverage. If they serve the 2,000 portions, they would serve a maximum of 3,500 total, which is still manageable temporarily,” he continued.

Gunawan cited issues with Wastewater Treatment Facilities (IPAL) and lack of residential quarters (mess) for SPPG heads, nutritionists, and accountants requiring extended timeframes. There are 443 SPPG units with IPAL problems and 175 facing residential issues.

“There are several categories involved: SLHS, IPAL, and mess facilities. The IPAL and mess facilities likely require more time, as constructing such facilities takes considerable time,” he said.

Previously, BGN temporarily suspended operations of 1,512 SPPG units in Region II. The temporary suspension was implemented as part of an evaluation of operational standards and infrastructure requirements compliance.

“We have temporarily halted 1,512 SPPG units’ operations as a follow-up to the evaluation of operational standards and infrastructure requirements at various SPPG units,” said Director of Monitoring and Supervision for Region II BGN, Albertus Dony Dewantoro, to journalists on Wednesday (11 March).

He stated that this action is part of efforts to reorganise the Free Nutritious Meals Programme to ensure all operational facilities meet established health, sanitation, and management standards.

The 1,512 temporarily suspended SPPG units are distributed across several provinces in Region II: DKI Jakarta (50 units); Banten (62 units); West Java (350 units); Central Java (54 units); East Java (788 units); and DI Yogyakarta (208 units).

BGN Suspends 492 SPPG Units in Sumatra

BGN has also temporarily suspended operations of 492 nutrition service units (SPPG) in Region I as part of an evaluation process. Hundreds of SPPG units were suspended due to lack of Hygiene Sanitation Certification (SLHS).

“Sumatra has 492 units, Region I,” said Redy.

However, approximately 140 SPPG units have begun the registration process. Redy did not specify regional breakdowns.

“But as of this evening, around 140 units have registered for SLHS,” he said.

“So around 350 units have yet to register,” he added.