SPPG in Pamekasan Serving Raw Catfish to Resume Operations After Repairs

JAKARTA — The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) will reopen operations of the Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG) in Pamekasan, which serves marinated catfish, following completion of kitchen improvements and remediation processes.

“SPPG operations will reopen following completion of evaluation, supervision, and remediation procedures as declared by the responsible authorities,” said Albertus Dony Dewantoro, Director of Regional Monitoring and Supervision II at BGN, in a press statement issued Thursday (12 March 2026).

“SPPG Pamekasan Pademawu Buddagan operations are temporarily suspended,” Dewantoro added.

Based on BGN leadership consideration, the issue was deemed to have impeded distribution processes in the school feeding programme and prompted school rejections.

Dewantoro expressed hope that the remediation period would enable SPPG to ensure the quality and safety of food provided to students.

Raw marinated catfish appeared on the school feeding menu at a school in Pamekasan District, East Java, with information first reported on Monday (9 March 2026).

Fikri Kuttawakil, a nutritionist at SPPG Pamekasan Pademawu Buddagan, explained that the use of marinated catfish in the menu was based on nutritional considerations and food security principles.

“We use marinated catfish for two reasons: first, to prevent nutrient loss in the catfish and to increase protein intake on that day. When marinated, catfish can remain safe for consumption for up to one day,” explained Fikri.

SPPG Pamekasan Pademawu Buddagan serves a total of 3,329 beneficiaries, comprising secondary and vocational school students, junior secondary students, early childhood education students, students with special needs, teaching staff, and groups of pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young children in the region.