National Nutrition Agency Temporarily Halts Operations of 1,512 Nutrition Service Units on Java Island
The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has temporarily halted operations of 1,512 Nutrition Service Units (SPPG) located in Region II, which comprises Java Island. The decision follows an evaluation of operational standards and the completeness of supporting facilities at multiple units providing the Free Nutritious Meal programme (MBG).
Albertus Dony Dewantoro, Director of Monitoring and Oversight for Region II at BGN, explained that this measure is part of efforts to reorganise services so that all operational facilities meet established health, sanitation, and management standards.
“We have temporarily halted 1,512 SPPG units. This action follows an evaluation of compliance with operational standards and infrastructure requirements at a number of SPPG units,” Dony stated in Jakarta on Tuesday, 10 March.
According to evaluation results, the suspended SPPG units are distributed across several provinces in Region II. The breakdown includes DKI Jakarta with 50 units, Banten 62 units, West Java 350 units, Central Java 54 units, East Java 788 units, and the Special Region of Yogyakarta 208 units.
Dony noted that the temporary suspension was necessary because numerous service units failed to meet basic operational requirements. A primary finding was that many SPPG units had not registered for Sanitation and Hygiene Compliance Certificates (SLHS).
From the evaluation, 1,043 SPPG units were found not to have registered this certificate. Additionally, BGN identified 443 SPPG units lacking adequate wastewater treatment facilities meeting required standards.
Another issue identified was the absence of residential facilities (mess quarters) for SPPG heads, nutritionists, and accountants at numerous service units. This condition affected 175 SPPG units, broken down as follows: Banten 36 units, the Special Region of Yogyakarta 86 units, West Java 24 units, Central Java 10 units, and East Java 19 units. BGN stated it would provide mentoring and verification for affected units to enable them to promptly complete all necessary requirements.
“Operations of temporarily halted SPPG units will resume in phases once all operational requirements and established standards have been fulfilled,” Dony concluded.