Central Java Officials Urged to Suspend Nutrition Providers Failing to Support Local Farmers

Regional leaders in Central Java have been instructed to issue temporary suspension recommendations for Nutrition Fulfillment Service Providers (SPPG) that do not procure their raw materials from local farmers and breeders. The directive comes from Hadiriajaya, Head of the Semarang Nutrition Fulfillment Service Office (KPPG).

This measure is part of the government's "Free Nutritious Meal" (MBG) program, which is intended to boost the welfare of local agricultural producers. Complaints have emerged from several deputy regents in Central Java regarding the failure of some SPPGs to absorb local commodities, despite the program's design to benefit them.

Hadirijaya explained that while the SPPG heads are responsible for checking that prices do not exceed the highest retail price, the selection of suppliers and the actual purchasing decisions are made by the partner foundations. Nevertheless, he urged regional heads to actively monitor SPPGs in their areas. If an SPPG is found not to be purchasing from local producers, the regional head should submit a recommendation letter for suspension to the KPPG Semarang or KPPG Sleman.

The KPPG Semarang oversees approximately 2,400 SPPGs across 20 regencies and cities in Central Java, while KPPG Sleman covers SPPGs in 15 regencies and cities within the province. During a supply chain coordination meeting, the Deputy Governor of Central Java, Taj Yasin, noted that out of 4,635 SPPG units in the province, 4,060 are currently operational. The KPPG will follow up on the suspension recommendations to ensure the program's intended economic benefits reach local farmers and breeders.