Free Nutritious Meal Controversy: Raw Marinated Catfish Leads to Kitchen Closure
The Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme in Pamekasan Regency, East Java, drew scrutiny after the Nutritional Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG) in Pademawu, Buddagan served raw marinated catfish to beneficiaries. The dispute over the menu led to the temporary suspension of the MBG programme kitchen’s operations in the area.
Albertus Dony Dewantoro, Director of Monitoring and Supervision for Region II at the National Nutrition Board (BGN), stated that the operational suspension was implemented because the controversy was deemed to have hindered the MBG programme’s food distribution process.
“Based on the consideration of BGN leadership, the issue is assessed to have obstructed the distribution process within the MBG programme. Therefore, the operational activities of the Pamekasan Pademawu Buddagan SPPG are temporarily suspended,” Dony said in a statement on Wednesday, 11 March 2026.
The suspension was carried out as a follow-up to evaluate the food preparation and serving process within the MBG programme. During the suspension period, relevant parties will conduct coaching and improve operational systems to ensure food distribution runs in accordance with regulations.
“The SPPG operations will resume after the evaluation, coaching, and improvements process is declared complete by the competent authorities,” he added.
The menu controversy emerged after a video showing raw catfish being distributed to students at a school in Pamekasan Regency went viral on social media on Monday, 9 March. In the footage, the catfish serving under the MBG programme appeared uncooked, sparking public concern.
Fikri Kuttawakil, Nutritionist at Pamekasan Pademawu Buddagan SPPG, explained that the use of marinated catfish in the menu was based on nutritional and food security considerations.
“We used marinated catfish for two reasons: first, to prevent nutrient loss in the catfish and to increase protein intake that day. Marinated, the catfish can also remain fresh for up to one day,” he explained.
The Pamekasan Pademawu Buddagan SPPG serves 3,329 beneficiaries, comprising senior high school, junior high school, and special education students, early childhood and kindergarten children, educators, as well as pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young children in the region.