Two Free Nutritious Meal Kitchens in Central Java Permanently Shut Down Over Safety Risks to 500 Beneficiaries
Indonesia’s National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has permanently halted operations at two Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme kitchens, known as Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG), in Central Java.
The first is SPPG Kota Semarang Timur Karangturi in Semarang, managed by the Putra Maju Mapan Mandiri Foundation and serving 2,370 beneficiaries. Its closure was formalised under BGN Head’s Decree No. 63530 of 2026.
The second, SPPG Batang-Batang Bawang in Batang Regency, Central Java, is managed by the Bela Batang Sejahtera Foundation and serves 2,595 beneficiaries. It was also permanently closed under BGN Head’s Decree No. 63531 of 2026.
Ketut Sumedana, BGN’s Deputy for Monitoring and Supervision, said the closures affect a total of 4,965 beneficiaries. To ensure services continue, they will be transferred to the nearest SPPG that meets operational requirements.
“Of the two SPPGs permanently closed, a total of 4,965 beneficiaries are affected, and their services will be transferred to the nearest qualifying SPPG,” Ketut said on Tuesday, 13 October 2026.
Ketut said the permanent closures were based on several considerations. First, both SPPGs had been out of operation for more than 30 days without receiving approval from the relevant authorities to resume operations.
Second, conditions were found to endanger the health and safety of more than 500 beneficiaries, and the reporting process had taken more than seven days.
“First, they had been inactive for more than 30 days without receiving approval from the relevant authorities to resume operations. Second, they endangered the health and safety of more than 500 affected beneficiaries, while the reporting process took a very long time—more than seven days,” he said.
BGN said it would continue to strengthen monitoring and supervision of the Free Nutritious Meal programme. The agency said this was to ensure all SPPGs deliver services transparently and in accordance with applicable standards, while prioritising beneficiaries’ health and safety.