National Nutrition Agency Temporarily Halts Free Nutritious Meal Canteen Over Raw Fish Distribution

Jakarta — The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has decided to temporarily suspend operations of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) canteen in Pamekasan, East Java, which had been distributing raw catfish to students.

Albertus Dony Dewantoro, Director of Monitoring and Supervision Region II at BGN, stated that the matter was considered to be obstructing the MBG distribution process.

“Therefore, the operations of the Nutritional Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG) Pamekasan Pademawu Buddagan are being temporarily halted,” said Dony in an official statement on Thursday, 12 March 2026.

Upon receiving reports of the issue, BGN conducted an inspection. Following the examination, BGN decided to impose sanctions.

According to Dony, the sanctions were imposed as a form of evaluation and improvement in food preparation and presentation. During the suspension of the MBG canteen operations, the SPPG Pamekasan Pademawu Buddagan facility will receive guidance and system improvements.

“Operations of the SPPG will resume after evaluation, guidance, and improvement processes are declared complete by the relevant authorities,” said Dony.

“The government hopes that these improvements can ensure the quality and safety of food provided to students,” he added.

Fikri Kuttawakil, Nutritionist at SPPG Pamekasan Pademawu Buddagan, explained that the facility chose to distribute marinated catfish because of its nutritional content.

“The reason we use marinated catfish is, first, to prevent the loss of nutrients in the catfish and to add protein that day. When marinated, catfish can also remain fresh for up to one day,” explained Fikri.

The SPPG serves 3,329 beneficiaries including students from special education schools, kindergartens and early childhood centres, junior secondary schools, secondary schools, as well as toddlers and nursing mothers.