Issues Plague Free Nutritious Meal Programme in Central Java: Wastewater Treatment and Minimalist Menus

The Head of Administration at the Semarang Nutrition Fulfilment Service Office (KPPG), Bagus Anindito, has acknowledged that several Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG) in Central Java are currently facing issues. These problems range from inadequate wastewater treatment plants (IPAL) to the presentation of minimalist Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) menus.

Bagus revealed that KPPG Semarang oversees approximately 2,400 SPPGs spread across 20 regencies and cities throughout Central Java, serving around 2 million beneficiaries. According to Bagus, there are currently hundreds of SPPGs under KPPG Semarang whose operations have been suspended due to issues with their wastewater treatment plants. He explained that wastewater treatment facilities, including the Sanitation Hygiene Suitability Certificate (SLHS), are primary requirements that must be met when establishing an SPPG.

“At the beginning, they might be good, but there are deficiencies during the maintenance phase. After further investigation, there are routine checks from the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), and our team also conducts inspections of SPPG conditions, especially when reports are received from citizens,” said Bagus during an interview in Semarang on Tuesday (9/6/2026).

He did not deny receiving reports from residents regarding SPPGs lacking ideal wastewater treatment plants. “As we know, inadequate wastewater treatment can produce unpleasant odours, which is likely an effect of poor maintenance,” he added.

In addition to the wastewater issues, Bagus disclosed that his office has also received reports regarding Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) menus that appear very minimalist. “There are indeed discrepancies in the menus; we cannot deny that there have been reports regarding minimalist menus,” he stated.

He added that upon receiving such reports, his office will summon the relevant SPPG heads for clarification. Regarding penalties, he noted that the authority to suspend operations lies with the Deputy for Monitoring and Supervision at the central BGN.

However, Bagus could not specify the exact number of SPPGs under KPPG Semarang reported for minimalist menu issues, stating that the data would need to be reviewed first. He explained that the BGN can permanently close an SPPG if it triggers two cases of food poisoning related to the MBG programme. So far, however, none of the 2,400 SPPGs under KPPG Semarang have been permanently closed, as most have only experienced their first suspected case of food poisoning.