Not Just Under Evaluation, Several Free Nutritious Meal Service Units in Central Java Halt Operations Due to BGN Funding Bottleneck

The Vice Governor of Central Java, Taj Yasin Maimoen, has revealed that a number of Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG) in the region are currently non-operational. While the exact number is yet to be confirmed, Yasin, who also serves as the Chair of the Central Java MBG Task Force, admitted that these units are inactive because they are undergoing evaluation and some have not yet received fund disbursements.

Yasin stated that SPPG units under the supervision of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) are facing these issues not only in Central Java but in various other regions. “We are aware of changes from the Head of the National Nutrition Agency, so we must comply with all of them,” he said during an interview at the Gradhika Bhakti Praja Building, Semarang, on Tuesday (9/6/2026).

When asked how many SPPGs in Central Java are currently non-operational, Yasin admitted he does not yet have the specific data. However, he acknowledged that the cause of the inactivity is not solely due to a lack of funds, but also involves the ongoing evaluation process.

“Some are due to evaluations; it is not all because the funds have not been disbursed,” Yasin noted.

He also stated that he does not yet know whether the beneficiaries of the non-operational SPPGs are receiving supplies from other units in their area. “There is no further information yet; we are still waiting,” he said.

Regarding whether the SPPGs currently under evaluation will be permanently closed, Yasin mentioned that this is entirely within the authority of the BGN. “Regardless, the community is currently feeling the benefits of the Free Nutritious Meal programme, so the public’s hope is that the quality and standards are improved. This is what we are waiting for,” he added.

At least dozens of SPPGs in Central Java are non-operational due to delays in fund disbursements. In Purworejo, 12 SPPGs have temporarily suspended operations while awaiting the top-up funding process from the BGN.

Additionally, five SPPGs in Magelang ceased operations on Monday (8/6/2026) because the BGN has halted operational fund disbursements for an indefinite period.

Furthermore, 20 SPPGs in Surakarta also stopped operating as of Monday because the BGN has yet to disburse operational funds. There are several other SPPGs across Central Java that remain inactive due to the lack of funding from the BGN.