BGN Suspends Operations of Nine Nutrition Service Units in Gresik Over Whole Coconut Menu Items
The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has taken firm action against nine Nutrition Service Units (SPPG) in Gresik Regency, East Java, that served whole coconuts as part of the Free Nutritious Meal Programme (MBG). These nine units have now been officially suspended temporarily from operations.
Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, Deputy Head of BGN for Public Communications and Investigation, expressed regret at the decision by SPPG managers, which was deemed to have disregarded similar public controversies that had previously attracted attention.
“The provision of whole coconuts has previously been a matter of public concern in several regions. This should serve as a lesson for all SPPG managers to be more careful in determining menus provided to beneficiaries,” said Nanik in Jakarta on Sunday, 15 March.
Nanik also emphasised that the justification offered by the nine units—that the menu was provided at the request of beneficiaries—cannot be accepted. Each SPPG, according to Nanik, remains obligated to follow the standardised menus and operational guidelines established in the MBG programme.
“All SPPG units must continue to follow menu guidelines and service standards that have been set. For this reason, the nine SPPG units in Gresik that provided whole coconuts are now temporarily suspended from operations for an evaluation process,” she stated.
Nanik added that she had also instructed that the SPPG heads involved be subjected to disciplinary measures. “I have also ordered that the SPPG heads be dealt with firmly through a first written warning or rotation, as leaders they should have been aware of the news so that similar incidents do not recur,” she said.
Meanwhile, Albertus Dony Dewantoro, Director of Monitoring and Supervision for Region II of BGN, stated that as of 14 March 2026, the nine SPPG units had ceased temporary operations.
The nine SPPG units comprise: SPPG Gresik Sidayu Ngawen; SPPG Gresik Sidayu Wadeng; SPPG Gresik Dukun Wonokerto; SPPG Gresik Dukun Lowayu; SPPG Gresik Dukun Sembungan Kidul; SPPG Gresik Dukun Tebuwung; SPPG Gresik Ujungpangkah Glatik; SPPG Gresik Balongpanggang Pucung; and SPPG Gresik Sidayu Sidomulyo.
BGN has also reminded all SPPG managers across various regions to be more careful in implementing the programme, including paying attention to menu standards, food safety, and sensitivity towards issues developing in society.