Nine Nutrition Service Units in Gresik Suspended Over Serving Whole Coconut in Free Nutritious Meals

The National Nutrition Body (BGN) has imposed strict sanctions against nine Nutrition Service Units (SPPG) in Gresik Regency, East Java, which provided whole coconuts as part of the free nutritious meals (MBG) programme. The nine SPPG units have now been formally suspended from operations.

Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, Deputy Head of BGN for Public Communication and Investigation, expressed regret at the decision by the SPPG managers, which she deemed to have ignored similar controversy that had previously received public attention.

“The provision of whole coconuts had previously been a matter of public concern in several regions. This should have served as a lesson for all SPPG managers to be more careful in determining the menu provided to beneficiaries,” Nanik stated in her remarks on Sunday (15 March 2026).

Nanik firmly rejected the explanation by the nine SPPG units that the menu was provided at the request of beneficiaries, stating this could not justify their actions. Every SPPG, according to Nanik, remains obligated to follow the menu standards and operational guidelines established in the MBG programme.

“All SPPG must adhere to the menu guidelines and service standards that have been set. Therefore, the nine SPPG units in Gresik that provided whole coconuts are currently being suspended from operations for the evaluation process,” she said.

Nanik added that she had also ordered that the heads of the SPPG units involved be subjected to disciplinary action. “I have also ordered that the heads of SPPG receive strict action through either a formal warning or reassignment, as leaders they failed to keep informed and thus allowed similar incidents to recur,” Nanik stated firmly.

Meanwhile, Albertus Dony Dewantoro, Director of Monitoring and Supervision Region II at BGN, stated that as of 14 March 2026, the nine SPPG units had ceased temporary operations.

The nine SPPG units are: SPPG Gresik Sidayu Ngawen; SPPG Gresik Sidayu Wadeng; SPPG Gresik Dukun Wonokerto; SPPG Gresik Dukun Lowayu; SPPG Gresik Dukun Sembungan Kidul; SPPG Gresik Dukun Tebuwung; SPPG Gresik Ujungpangkah Glatik; SPPG Gresik Balongpanggang Pucung; and SPPG Gresik Sidayu Sidomulyo.

The BGN also reminded all SPPG managers across various regions to be more diligent in implementing the programme, including paying attention to menu standards, food safety, and sensitivity to issues developing within the community.