Foundation Claims Ministerial Connection, Cuts Nutrition Programme Budget to Rp6,500, National Nutrition Agency Takes Action

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has temporarily suspended two foundations managing Nutrition Service Units (SPPG) in Ponorogo, East Java. The units are operated by foundation managers who claimed to be the grandchild of a minister in order to pressure SPPG heads, nutrition supervisors, and financial overseers.

The heads of the Kauman Somorot and Jambon Krebet SPPG units in Ponorogo, Rizal Zulfikar Fikri and Moch. Syafi’i Misbachul Mufid respectively, travelled to Blitar to meet with BGN Deputy Head Nanik Sudaryati Deyang to seek protection after alleging they had been pressured and intimidated by the foundation managing their units.

“These two SPPG heads from Ponorogo came all the way to Blitar to meet me seeking protection. Apparently, for several months they, along with nutrition and financial supervisors, have been constantly pressured and intimidated by a foundation that claims to be owned by a minister’s grandchild,” said Nanik S Deyang when reached for comment in Jakarta on Tuesday.

The foundation is also suspected of falsifying food procurement. Whilst the BGN had allocated Rp10,000 per portion for food procurement, the foundation only spent Rp6,500 per portion. As a result, both unit heads were frequently forced to cover the shortfall from their own pockets to ensure the meals appeared adequate.

“We had no choice but to cover the costs ourselves. I felt sorry for the students receiving the benefit,” said Mufid.

Nanik stated that the actions of the foundation owner overseeing the Free Nutritious Meal programme were inhumane and unacceptable.