Temporarily Closed, 28 MBG Kitchens in NTB Reopened Gradually
The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has revoked the temporary operational suspension status for 28 Service Units for Nutrition Fulfilment (SPPG), or kitchens under the Free Nutritious Food (MBG) programme in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). This decision is outlined in a BGN letter numbered 1301/D.TWS/04/2026, issued in Jakarta on 5 April 2026.
The letter, signed by Rudi Setiawan, Director of Regional Monitoring and Supervision III at BGN, states that operations of these 28 SPPG will resume. These dozens of SPPG were previously temporarily suspended by BGN, along with 274 others, for failing to meet mandatory requirements, such as the Hygiene and Sanitation Fitness Certificate (SLHS) and Wastewater Treatment Installation (IPAL).
NTB Regional Coordinator for BGN, Eko Prasetyo, stated that the letter confirms these 28 SPPG have officially obtained SLHS from local health offices, thus granting them permission to resume operations.
Furthermore, BGN emphasises that the resumption of MBG kitchen operations must continue to prioritise nutritional quality and established food safety standards.
“The revocation of the suspension status means the MBG kitchens will resume operations gradually,” said Eko on Monday (6/4/2026).
Eko explained that in the initial phase, the 28 SPPG that have met the SLHS requirements are permitted to resume operations. Meanwhile, units still facing issues, particularly with wastewater treatment installations or IPAL, will follow once all requirements are fulfilled.
“Indeed, they will be operationalised gradually, including those with IPAL issues; currently, only those with SLHS,” Eko added.
The distribution of the 28 SPPG now permitted to operate includes 14 units in East Lombok, 7 in Central Lombok, 3 in West Lombok, 3 in Mataram, and 1 in Bima.
Previously reported, SPPG or MBG kitchens in NTB were temporarily closed. All temporarily closed kitchens lacked IPAL and SLHS.
Head of the NTB MBG Task Force, Fathul Gani, explained that the temporary closure decision letter had been received. The decision was made after a lengthy process and comprehensive evaluation of SPPG operations in the Land of Gora.
“This is a long process. Why BGN decided to suspend or temporarily halt operations of 302 SPPG,” said Fathul when met in his office on Wednesday (1/4/2026).
Assistant I of the NTB Regional Secretariat stated that of the 302 SPPG temporarily suspended, 225 units lacked IPAL, 36 lacked SLHS, and 40 others failed to meet both requirements.
According to regulations, Fathul noted, SLHS and IPAL are fundamental requirements that every SPPG must fulfil before operating. However, delays in processing and administrative reporting were found.
“The problem is the failure to meet or incomplete fulfilment of primary requirements, namely SLHS and IPAL. There are also cases where SLHS has been issued but input was delayed, so reports still show red flags,” he said.