Surakarta Mayor Seeks Central Government to Grant Local Authorities Power to Intervene in SPPG; Zulhas: It Would Be Permissible If It Is Dangerous

The Mayor of Surakarta, Respati Ardi, has asked the central government to issue rules granting local governments the authority to intervene in the nutrition service units (SPPG) as part of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme. He believes there are certain situations when local governments need to act to ensure MBG runs effectively.

Respati revealed that the Surakarta City Government currently runs a programme titled “Solo Zero Accident MBG”. He said the relevant departments within the Surakarta City Government routinely tour the SPPG-SPPG to ensure MBG menus are prepared and served in proper procedure.

“Zero Accident MBG, blood, sweat and tears we are implementing in the region,” Respati said at a MBG coordination meeting at the Gradhika Bakti Praja building, Central Java Governorate Complex, Semarang, on Tuesday (3 March 2026).

He hopes the central government, including the President, can grant greater authority to local governments to intervene in SPPG. “The division of tasks to the regions and to the departments is crucial and very important for us to provide input. We cannot intervene in SPPG for purchases in markets. We cannot intervene in the recipient data,” Respati said.

In addition, local governments cannot undertake other forms of intervention. “Intervening with suppliers, Intervening with the workforce in SPPG kitchens. Our head of labour is tasked with reducing open unemployment in every city, but we do not have the authority,” Respati added.

“I very much hope there will be a presidential regulation or any rule that grants regional authorities the right to participate in building a national priority programme,” Respati concluded.