BGN states operations of 18 SPPG kitchens in West Papua remain suspended

The suspension is due to the Hygiene Sanitation Certificate (SLHS), where there are three kitchens. Two kitchens in Teluk Bintuni and one kitchen in Manokwari. Manokwari (ANTARA) - The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) states that operations of 18 out of 43 Satuan Pelayanan Pemenuhan Gizi (SPPG) kitchens in West Papua Province remain suspended or temporarily halted while awaiting improvements to wastewater treatment installation facilities. BGN Regional Coordinator for West Papua, Erika Vionita Werinussa, in Manokwari on Sunday, said that the wastewater treatment installation (IPAL) facilities for all SPPG kitchens must comply with the established operational standards and procedures. “Two of the 18 suspended kitchens are in the process of being reinstated because they have completed the IPAL. One kitchen is in South Manokwari and two are in Manokwari,” Erika stated. She explained that the temporary suspension of SPPG kitchen operations due to non-compliant IPAL is BGN’s commitment to ensuring the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme adheres to cleanliness and food safety standards. “If suspended, the kitchen cannot operate, and thus incentives are not paid. We continue to coordinate with partners to accelerate IPAL improvements,” she said. Besides IPAL, Erika noted that the temporary suspension of SPPG kitchen operations also relates to the unfulfilled Hygiene Sanitation Certificate (SLHS), as seen in Teluk Bintuni and Manokwari areas. BGN has extended the deadline for resolving IPAL and fulfilling SLHS from 31 March 2026 to 30 April 2026, hoping that each kitchen managing partner does not neglect the established provisions. According to her, in the near future, there will be an addition of three SPPG kitchens in West Papua, consisting of two kitchens still in the virtual account activation process, while one kitchen is still seeking nutrition expert personnel. The construction of SPPG kitchens in category 3T (disadvantaged, frontier, and outermost) regions in Kaimana for ten locations and Teluk Bintuni for one location will first undergo assessment by the appraisal team. “The two kitchens in the virtual activation process are in Kaimana, while the one temporarily seeking a nutrition expert is in Manokwari. This month, we also plan to visit the locations where 3T SPPG kitchens will be built,” Erika said.