BGN scrutinises ongoing supplier monopolies at 80 SPPG units in Solo Raya

Jakarta (ANTARA) – The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has highlighted that supplier monopolies persist at 80 Satuan Pelayanan Pemenuhan Gizi (SPPG) Solo Raya, Central Java, after discrepancies in managerial aspects and kitchen facilities were found that could affect the quality of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme.

Therefore, BGN Deputy Head Nanik S. Deyang evaluated all SPPG heads, financial supervisors, and nutrition supervisors in the Solo Raya region comprising the City of Solo, Sragen Regency, Karanganyar, and Boyolali on Sunday. In the meeting, all implementing parties were asked to report real-time operational conditions of SPPG in the field.

“The MBG programme is a national strategic programme, so all SPPG must operate in accordance with the standards that have been set. The managerial aspects, hygiene, and the suitability of kitchen facilities must not be neglected,” Nanik said in a statement in Jakarta.

From reports compiled by the Central Java regional head along with regional coordinators, BGN found about 80 SPPG in Solo Raya still using 1 to 5 food suppliers. This situation is considered to risk dependencies on certain partners and thus requires reform in supplier governance to be more open and competitive.

Additionally, BGN found that some SPPG kitchens did not have adequate supporting facilities such as staff dormitories or mess rooms, kitchen equipment not fully complete, and kitchen construction not fully in accordance with the technical guidelines (juknis) set.

BGN asked all SPPG managers identified as having deficiencies to immediately undertake comprehensive repairs, both in terms of supplier governance for food ingredients, kitchen facility adequacy, and alignment of kitchen construction with technical standards.

“We are giving a maximum of one month to SPPG that do not meet standards to carry out the repairs. If there is no improvement, BGN will take further evaluation steps in accordance with applicable regulations,” Nanik said.

Nanik emphasised that this evaluation step is part of efforts to ensure MBG programme runs to high standards, transparently, and provides optimal benefits to the community.

“We want all SPPG to work professionally and comply with the juknis that has been established so that the nutrition service to the community remains of high quality,” she added.