East Java School Feeding Programme Halted Over Raw Catfish Menu

Jakarta — The Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Dadan Hindayana, has stated that the Pamekasan Pademawu Buddagan Nutrition Service Delivery Unit (SPPG) has been temporarily suspended following viral videos showing raw catfish being provided under the free nutritious meal programme (MBG).

Dadan confirmed that the SPPG unit in East Java is currently undergoing evaluation by the BGN. “We are following technical guidelines and circulars that have been issued. The unit is in the process of evaluation leading to temporary suspension,” Dadan told Kompas.com on Tuesday, 10 March 2026.

Deputy Head of BGN Nanik S Deyang provided clarification regarding the viral video showing the raw catfish meal. According to Nanik, based on field reports, the meal package prepared by the SPPG actually comprised several components, including marinated catfish, fried tofu and tempeh, pizza bread, boiled eggs, full-cream milk and dragon fruit.

“Based on the report we received, the menu prepared by the SPPG was actually complete. However, in the circulating video, only part of the menu was visible because the school refused to remove the meal package from the distribution vehicle,” Nanik explained on Tuesday, 10 March 2026.

Nanik emphasised that every menu item in the MBG programme is designed with careful attention to nutritional balance and food safety standards. “The MBG programme prioritises food safety and nutritional quality as its primary concerns. We continue to monitor and evaluate to ensure that all processes from food preparation to distribution comply with established standards,” she said.

Meanwhile, Fikri Kuttawakil, a nutritionist at Pamekasan Pademawu Buddagan SPPG, explained that the use of marinated catfish in the MBG menu was based on nutritional and food security considerations. “We use marinated catfish firstly to prevent nutrient loss in the fish and to boost protein intake for the day. When marinated, catfish can also remain fresh for up to one day,” Fikri explained.

The controversy arose after videos showed live catfish, some unwashed, being placed in single containers alongside two slices of tofu and two slices of tempeh.