Jakarta (ANTARA) – The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) will temporarily suspend the operations of 1,256 kitchens providing meals for the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program in eastern Indonesia as of April 1, 2026.BGN Region III Monitoring and Supervision Director Rudi Setiawan stated that the action is being taken because the kitchens—officially named Nutritional Fulfilment Service Units (SPPGs)—have yet to register for Hygiene and Sanitation Fitness Certificates (SLHS) or install wastewater treatment plants (IPAL).”We want to ensure that all SPPGs strictly meet standards, both in terms of food safety and waste management. This is vital to protect the health of the beneficiaries,” he said in Jakarta on Tuesday.He added that possessing an SLHS and an IPAL is a mandatory requirement for all service units to guarantee food safety and maintain environmental cleanliness standards during the implementation of the free meal program.The BGN had previously granted the SPPGs time to fulfill these requirements. However, by the specified deadline, several units had still failed to register for the certificates or set up wastewater facilities.Setiawan stressed that his agency continues to carry out monitoring and evaluation, noting that all SPPGs that meet the requirements can operate again after a verification process.Previously, the BGN reminded all SPPGs to continue their operations as the free meal program resumes nationwide on Tuesday.BGN Deputy Head for Public Communication and Investigation, Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, emphasized that the agency will not hesitate to impose strict sanctions on partners found to be marking up raw material prices or pressuring SPPG heads.Such actions are classified as serious violations and will result in temporary suspension of operations without incentives.She also reiterated that the free meal budget is set at Rp8,000–Rp10,000 (approximately US$0.47–US$0.59) per portion.According to her, those marking up the prices of raw materials not only harm the program but also the core goal of the nutritional initiative for the community.