Sudaryono's Anger Erupts Over SPPG Negligence in Karo Regency That Claimed Victims
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Sudaryono, has threatened severe sanctions against the managers of the Free Nutritious Meal Programme (MBG) who are proven to have been negligent in carrying out food safety procedures. This firm stance follows a food safety incident involving the MBG in Karo Regency, North Sumatra.
Sudaryono revealed that a preliminary investigation found negligence in the processing of fish raw materials at the kitchen of the Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG) in Karo Regency. Some of the fish were reportedly not stored in the freezer and were instead left at room temperature for 12 hours or more.
“We tried to check the preliminary investigation. So, the negligence was in the processing. Most of the fish raw materials were put into the freezer, but around 300 or 200 fish were not put into the freezer. They were then placed at room temperature for a period of more than 12 hours,” said Sudaryono in his statement, quoted on Tuesday (18/8/2026).
According to him, this condition constitutes a serious form of negligence that must not occur in the implementation of the MBG. This is because the food provided through this government programme is directly related to the health and safety of the beneficiaries.
“There must be no negligence, no! Zero tolerance, no negligence! And I ask the head of the kitchen or anyone who feels they cannot do the job to just leave rather than endanger someone’s life,” he criticised.
The BGN has prepared firm sanctions for those proven responsible. The sanctions do not stop at the removal of the kitchen head, but can lead to dishonourable dismissal if the head of the SPPG is a civil servant (ASN).
“The first sanction is that the kitchen will be heavily suspended. Then, for the Head of the SPPG, the sanction I can give is not only removal, but I will propose dishonourable dismissal through the National Civil Service Agency, regarding their ASN status. Because this already concerns lives,” he stressed.
Sudaryono also opened the possibility for the case to be processed further by law enforcement officials. According to him, this step is necessary if the investigation finds elements of negligence that need to be legally accounted for.
He emphasised that food safety must not be considered merely a technical issue in the operation of MBG kitchens. All kitchen heads, officers, and parties responsible for food processing must ensure that every standard operating procedure (SOP) is carried out.
The warning was also addressed to all MBG kitchen managers across Indonesia. The BGN noted that there are around 27,000 kitchen heads who must pay serious attention to every stage of food processing and serving.
Sudaryono even asked officers who feel unable to carry out their duties to resign, rather than take risks with the safety of beneficiaries.
“This is also a warning for others, to be extra careful and work as well as possible. If you cannot, then resign. Yes. If you feel incapable, resign. Do not make people’s lives a game. If you are not capable of being a kitchen head, if you are not capable of being a chef, if you are not capable of being an officer there, just resign. Because someone’s life cannot be gambled with,” Sudaryono stressed.
Amid the handling of the case, he also ensured that the BGN is monitoring the condition of the victims undergoing treatment at Haji Medan Hospital. One of the victims being treated in the PICU is reportedly starting to show positive progress after undergoing treatment for three days.
“The condition of the victim here has been two days, this is the third day. According to reports, it has improved. So, compared to when they first came in, and yesterday and today, it is better. But they are still in the ICU. I hope that as soon as possible they can truly improve within one to two days. No need for two days, if possible one day, that is all,” he concluded.