BGN Suspends SPPG Operations in Pamekasan Pademawu Following Raw Catfish Discovery
The operational activities of the Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG) in the Pademawu and Buddagan areas of Pamekasan Regency have been temporarily halted following reports of menu discrepancies in the Nutritious Free Meal (MBG) programme, specifically concerning raw catfish distributed to students.
The issue prompted schools to reject the distributed food. The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) conducted an inspection after receiving the report.
“Based on consideration by BGN leadership, this problem has been assessed as hindering the distribution process in the Nutritious Free Meal Programme. Therefore, the operational activities of the SPPG Pamekasan Pademawu Buddagan are temporarily suspended,” said Albertus Dony Dewantoro, Director of Monitoring and Supervision Region II at BGN, in Jakarta on Wednesday, 11 March.
Dewantoro explained that the suspension has been implemented as a follow-up measure for evaluation and improvement in food processing and presentation procedures. During the suspension period, relevant parties will conduct coaching and operational system improvements.
“SPPG operations will resume after the evaluation, coaching, and improvement process is declared complete by the authorities. The Government hopes that these improvements will ensure the quality and safety of food provided to students,” he stated.
Previously, a viral video circulated on Monday, 9 March, showing MBG menu items featuring raw catfish at a school in Pamekasan Regency, East Java. Fikri Kuttawakil, a nutritionist at SPPG Pamekasan Pademawu Buddagan, explained that the use of marinated catfish in the menu was based on nutritional and food security considerations.
“We use marinated catfish for two reasons: first, to prevent nutrient loss in the catfish and to increase protein intake that day. When marinated, catfish can also remain fresh for up to one day,” Kuttawakil explained.
The SPPG Pamekasan Pademawu Buddagan serves a total of 3,329 beneficiaries, consisting of secondary school students (SMA/SMK/MA), junior secondary school students (SMP/MTs), early childhood and kindergarten students (PAUD/TK), special needs school students (SLB), educators, as well as groups of pregnant women, nursing mothers, and infants in the region.
The BGN has also temporarily suspended operations of 1,512 Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units across Region II (Java). The discovery has prompted serious attention from BGN in ensuring that all programme implementation complies with established standards. Additionally, 492 SPPG units in Sumatra have been suspended indefinitely since 9 March.
Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, Deputy Head of BGN for Communication and Investigation, emphasised that the Nutritious Free Meal Programme was never designed from the outset as a business programme.