BGN Suspends 62 Nutrition Service Units Serving Meals Not in Line with Budget During Ramadan
The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has temporarily suspended 62 Nutrition Service Units (SPPG) serving Nutritious Free Meals (MBG) that do not comply with budget allocations during Ramadan 1447 Hijriah/2026, as reported by BGN Chief Dadan Hindayana following a meeting with the Attorney General’s Office in Jakarta on Tuesday.
“At minimum, we have temporarily suspended 62 SPPG because they fail to provide menus in accordance with requirements, whether minimalist menus or poor quality offerings. These are the ones we have temporarily closed during Ramadan,” stated Hindayana.
Hindayana characterised the 62 suspended units as a “vocal minority” that has attracted significant social media attention and viral coverage, despite representing a small fraction of the broader programme. He emphasised that over 25,000 SPPG units are operating successfully but receive less public attention.
“We have more than 25,000 SPPG operating, but these 62 units providing inadequate and minimalist menus are what went viral. They are a vocal minority—just 62 units, yet they generated widespread coverage, whilst the vast majority are performing well. We want these 62 to decrease over time, so that the coverage reflects the silent majority performing excellently. Many of these units are operating to high standards,” Hindayana explained.
He further noted that units lacking Health Service Management (SLHS) certification represent a larger group and have also been temporarily closed until they complete all required procedures.
Although the financial losses from the 62 suspended units have not yet been calculated, their suspension was triggered by the discrepancy between the value of meals provided to beneficiaries and the allocated budget. The BGN has implemented closure procedures through warning letters to partner organisations and SPPG administrators.
Currently, BGN prioritises coaching and guidance for SPPG units in violation of technical guidelines or standard operating procedures rather than pursuing criminal sanctions. Criminal penalties will be considered only if budget deviation or misappropriation is substantiated through legal proceedings.
“If there is evidence of budget deviation or misappropriation legally proven, that possibility is not ruled out. However, for now, we are primarily focused on guidance to ensure all parties involved work to the highest standards, operate optimally and effectively, and properly account for the funds they receive,” concluded Hindayana.