Deputy Head of National Nutrition Agency Shuts Down Two Free Nutritious Meal Kitchens in Ponorogo Amid Alleged Intimidation

JAKARTA – The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has halted operations of two Nutrition Service Units (SPPG) in Ponorogo following reports of pressure against kitchen managers and suspected budget cuts to food provisions under the Free Nutritious Meal Programme (MBG).

The case emerged after two SPPG heads from Ponorogo met with Deputy Head of BGN for Public Communication and Investigation Nanik Sudaryati Deyang in Blitar, East Java, during a programme socialisation and evaluation session last weekend.

“These two SPPG heads from Ponorogo came all the way to Blitar to meet with me seeking protection,” said Nanik in a statement on Monday (16 March 2026).

The two kitchen heads were Rizal Zulfikar Fikri from SPPG Ponorogo Kauman Somorto and Moch. Syafi’i Misbachul Mufid from SPPG Ponorogo Jambon Krebet.

In addition to the pressure, they also alleged irregularities in food procurement for the MBG programme. From the BGN-allocated budget of Rp 10,000 per portion for food purchases, actual spending was only Rp 6,500 per portion. This shortfall forced kitchen managers to cover the deficit with their own funds to ensure proper quality meals for beneficiaries.

“I had no choice, sir—I felt sorry for the student beneficiaries,” said Mufid, voice breaking.

According to Nanik, such practices are unjustifiable as SPPG heads—who are recruited as BGN field representatives—should not be placed under pressure. She stated that the two kitchen managers also faced threats of police involvement or legal action if they did not comply with foundation wishes. Volunteers and beneficiary schools were reportedly asked to sign statements demanding the removal of both SPPG heads.

“Stop this immediately! If necessary, permanently—unless they demonstrate improved conduct towards the SPPG Head, Nutrition Supervisors, and Finance Supervisors,” said Nanik.

She also contacted a minister whose name was mentioned in the case. The minister denied having a grandchild managing the MBG kitchen and requested that any facilities found to be misused be closed.

On-site, supervisory teams discovered kitchen conditions failing to meet technical guidelines and SPPG standard operating procedures. The kitchen floor was peeling, walls were dirty and mouldy, and the food portioning area lacked air conditioning. Additionally, there was no adequate rest area for staff, and storage lockers were deemed insufficient.