BGN Seals Operations of SPPG Pamekasan Following Raw Catfish Discovery
The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has taken firm action by temporarily halting operations of the Free Nutritious Meal Service (SPPG) in Pademawu, Buddagan, Pamekasan Regency, East Java. The decision follows reports that raw catfish was distributed to students as part of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme.
Albertus Dony Dewantoro, Director of Monitoring and Oversight for BGN Region II, stated that the incident had obstructed the distribution process and compromised the quality standards of the government-mandated MBG programme.
“Based on BGN leadership’s consideration, this problem has been deemed to have impeded the distribution process of the MBG programme. Therefore, the SPPG operations in Pamekasan Pademawu Buddagan are temporarily suspended,” Dony stated in Jakarta on Thursday, 12 March.
Dony explained that the suspension is a mitigation measure to conduct a comprehensive evaluation, covering procurement procedures, food preparation, and food service techniques. During this period, BGN will conduct intensive coaching and improve operational systems in the field to prevent similar incidents from recurring.
“SPPG operations will reopen after the evaluation, coaching, and improvement process is completed by the relevant authorities. The government hopes that these improvements will ensure the quality and safety of food provided to students,” he added.
Previously, a viral video showed an MBG menu containing raw catfish at a school in Pamekasan Regency on Monday, 9 March. This triggered concerns among parents regarding health risks and food hygiene.
In response, Fikri Kuttawakil, a nutritionist at SPPG Pamekasan Pademawu Buddagan, provided clarification that the use of marinated catfish had technical considerations related to nutrition and durability.
“Why did we use marinated catfish? First, to prevent nutritional loss in the catfish and to increase protein content on that day. When marinated, catfish can also last up to one day,” Fikri stated.
However, this justification did not align with the food safety standards established by the Central BGN, and the operational suspension remained in effect.
BGN has assured that it will tighten oversight at all SPPG points throughout Indonesia to ensure the Free Nutritious Meal programme reaches its intended targets and meets national health standards.
In the viral video, the catfish appeared intact and raw, sparking debate about menu suitability. Catfish is frequently selected in nutrition programmes because of its high protein content.
Citra Nurfitriani, Regional Coordinator for the MBG programme in Banjarbaru City, revealed that her office had received several evaluations, including complaints about the absence of milk in the MBG packages during Ramadan.
Dozens of students from several schools in Sekernan Sub-district were admitted to the Achmad Ripin Muar General Hospital in Muarojambi Regency after consuming Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) menu items.
During the celebration of President Prabowo Subianto’s 74th birthday, all Nutritious Meal Service Units (SPPG) throughout Indonesia served an MBG menu consisting of fried rice and fried eggs, the President’s favourite dishes.
Schools are said to need to be involved in the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal programme so that all processes and menus can be monitored and student safety is better assured.