History of Poisoning and Hygiene, 2 SPPG Asked Jember Regency to Stop Operations

JEMBER - The Jember Regency Government (Pemkab) in East Java recommends the suspension of operations of two Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) Kaliwates 3 and SPPG Sumbersari 2 to the National Nutrition Agency (BGN).

The recommendation was conveyed through an official letter from the Regent of Jember after the Jember Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) Task Force conducted field supervision and evaluation of the implementation of the MBG program at the two SPPG.

The Acting Regional Secretary (Pj Sekda) of Jember and Chairman of the MBG Task Force, Achmad Imam Fauzi, said the letter of recommendation for the termination of operations was sent on May 22, 2026 at the direction of Jember Regent Muhammad Fawait.

"The recommendation is based on the results of field supervision which found a number of problems related to aspects of hygiene [hygienic], food management operational standards, and work safety in the two MBG kitchens," he said Saturday, quoted by Antara.

In addition, the MBG Task Force also received a number of public reports through the "Wadul Guse" public complaint channel.

He explained that SPPG Kaliwates 3 became a concern after there were allegations of food poisoning that hit a number of PAUD and TK children in Kaliwates District after eating food from the MBG kitchen.

During the field inspection, the Task Force found several technical notes, including the placement of gas cylinders in closed spaces which were considered risky for operational safety.

"The fact that there are victims. That is a serious concern for the local government. The safety of the beneficiaries of the program must be the top priority," said Fauzi.

Meanwhile, SPPG Sumbersari 2 previously experienced flooding during the rainy season because the building was on the river and a few days ago there was a fire that was suspected to have been caused by a gas leak in the oven room of the food container dryer.

"The inspection results showed technical problems in the kitchen installation and the condition of the building which is near the large irrigation canal and prone to flooding," he said.

The Jember Regency Government emphasized that the MBG program is a strategic program concerning public health, especially children, so that all implementing partners are required to meet strict and sustainable standards of hygiene, food safety, occupational safety, and operational feasibility.

"Although the recommendation to stop operations has been sent, the final decision remains in the hands of the National Nutrition Agency as the policy holder of the MBG program," he said.