Head of BGN, Sudaryono.

progresifjaya.co.id, JAKARTA – The Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Sudaryono, confirmed that his agency has shut down 1.300 Nutrition Service Fulfillment Units (SPPG)—facilities serving as communal kitchens for the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program. The closed kitchens reportedly failed to meet established requirements or standards.

“If they cannot be improved, we close them permanently. I’ve closed—let’s see—maybe 800, plus another 500 recently, so that makes 1.300 closed during the three weeks i’ve been the head,” said Sudaryono at the Presidential Palace in Central Jakarta on Monday, August 17, 2026.

He emphasized, that the closure of non-compliant SPPGs would be carried out without favoritism. Any kitchen found to be negligent or endangering the lives of beneficiaries faces immediate permanent closure.

He also issued an ultimatum, any kitchen failing to meet the standards set by the BGN could be shut down at any time.

“I don’t care who owns the SPPG, i don’t look at that. I look at the system. If they don’t meet the standards within my system, then with a heavy heart, i have to close them permanently. That’s roughly how it works. My goal is to protect those SPPG partners who have been doing good work so far,” Sudaryono stated.

The former Deputy Minister of Agriculture added that oversight of SPPG performance regarding MBG quality would be further tightened. Although cases of food poisoning have occurred, quality will continue to improve by learning from high-performing SPPGs. Sudaryono noted that at least 27.000 SPPGs are believed to be operating effectively.

“We are learning from successful SPPGs. One example is the SPPG managed by Bhayangkari [the Polri Wives Association]. They use test kits, and to date, there hasn’t been a single case of food poisoning,” Sudaryono said. (Bembo)