Over 1,000 MBG kitchens suspended for service improvement: Prabowo
In a statement issued Thursday, the president said the move aims to ensure all kitchens comply with strict requirements on nutrition, sanitation and safe food handling across the nationwide program.
“I checked directly. I called the head of the National Nutrition Agency and continue to cross-check,” Prabowo said during a meeting with journalists and experts at his residence in Bogor, West Java.
He said the decision followed field inspections and public feedback highlighting shortcomings in the program’s implementation, prompting the government to take corrective action.
Prabowo stressed that criticism was being used as input for evaluation rather than ignored, given the program’s importance for improving children’s nutrition and long-term human capital.
“We have suspended 1,030 units. What we are doing now is certification,” he said, warning operators that kitchens must meet hygiene and safety standards to continue operating.
The affected facilities, officially known as Nutritional Fulfillment Service Units (SPPGs), will remain closed until they pass certification covering food safety, water quality and standardized processing procedures.
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The government has mandated that all participating kitchens comply with uniform standards to ensure consistency and accountability in meal distribution nationwide.
Authorities said any unit failing to meet the criteria would face immediate suspension until necessary improvements are completed and verified.
To strengthen accountability, the government is also expanding public oversight by providing reporting channels for communities, schools and parents to monitor program delivery on the ground.
Prabowo emphasized that transparency and public participation are essential to maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the free meal initiative.
He also called for a shift in administrative culture, urging program managers to avoid inaccurate reporting and ensure data reflects actual conditions.
The government said it will continue reinforcing supervision, improving systems and ensuring the program delivers measurable benefits in raising nutritional standards, particularly among children.
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Translator: Prisca Triferna, Raka Adji