SPPG Batam Warns Free Meal Kitchens: Don't Touch Subsidized LPG

BATAM - The Batam Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG), Riau Islands, appeals to all the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program kitchens not to use subsidized LPG of three kilograms in daily operations.

SPPG Batam Regional Coordinator Defri Frenaldi emphasized that the use of subsidized melon gas is not allowed at all for the MBG kitchen.

"It is absolutely not allowed to use 3 kilogram gas. If you find any, you can help to report it," said Defri when contacted, Antara, Monday, February 2.

The ban refers to the technical instructions of the Decree of the Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Number 401.1 of 2025. In the rules, the SPPG kitchen is required to use a gas installation with certain safety standards.

"The gas used must use an installation, with the location of the gas station outside the room. The choice is to use 50 kilogram LPG, or if it is not available, you can use 12 kilogram LPG," he said.

Regarding sanctions, Defri said the initial approach taken was coaching through reprimands to the kitchen manager.

"I will give a warning first so that it will be replaced immediately," he said.

Technically, the instructions also stipulate that the gas source can come from Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), LPG, natural gas, and biogas.

Gas installations must also meet safety standards, ranging from the placement of gas stations separate from food processing rooms, the use of pipes according to standards, to welding pipes by certified personnel.

In addition to safety factors, SPPG kitchens are also recommended to use the type of gas according to operational needs so that it is more efficient and safe in the long term.

In Batam, Defri said that so far there are 120 SPPGs that have obtained the decision letter. Of these, 106 SPPGs are already operating, while the other 14 are still in the verification process.