Free Nutritious Meal Programme Paused During Holidays, SPPG Staff in NTB Remain on Duty
The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has officially issued new regulations governing the operations of Nutrition Service Units (SPPG). According to Circular Letter (SE) Number 12 of 2026, all services under the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme will be suspended during holiday periods.
The policy, signed by BGN Head Nanik Sudaryati Deyang on 17 June 2026, takes immediate effect. Fathul Gani, Chair of the MBG Task Force for West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), stated that the regional team is ready to implement the central directive. “We in the regions are prepared to follow up on this circular from the centre. This is a strategic step for budget efficiency and maintaining the operational accountability of SPPG,” Fathul said on Thursday (18/6/2026).
Fathul emphasised that during national holidays, religious holidays, and weekends, there will be no MBG distribution to either students or non-student beneficiaries. “During holidays, distribution operations are halted. We will ensure all SPPG facilities are not used for any activities. This is a firm rule,” he added.
According to SE Number 12 of 2026, several crucial points must be adhered to by all SPPG units. All partners are required to maintain 24-hour security even when distribution services are stopped, with security personnel working in rotating shifts. Furthermore, partners are strictly prohibited from using SPPG facilities for any purpose during the holiday period, including using MBG vehicles for leisure trips. Violations of this rule carry the risk of strict sanctions, up to the termination of SPPG operations.
“So there are strict sanctions if caught. Therefore, SPPG heads, nutrition supervisors, and financial supervisors must continue to work to ensure the facilities remain orderly, clean, and safe,” he stressed.
Operational costs such as electricity, water, internet, and security personnel incentives during the holiday period will be paid at cost based on actual needs. Fathul added that specifically for long holidays lasting more than three days, all personnel, including volunteers, are required to return to work one day before operations resume to ensure facility readiness.
“We urge all SPPG ranks in NTB to comply with this circular without exception. All of this is for the sake of orderly, transparent, and accountable nutrition fulfilment,” concluded Fathul, who also serves as Assistant I of the NTB Regional Secretariat.