Nutrition Agency Dismisses 137 Meal Service Unit Heads

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has taken decisive action, dismissing 137 heads of nutrition service units across Indonesia. The sanctions, effective as of Monday, August 3, 2026, target individuals with disciplinary issues or a history of actions contradicting program standards and integrity.

BGN Head Sudaryono announced the dismissals, highlighting that 49 were in West Java, 26 in Lampung, and others spread across East Java, North Sumatra, Banten, and Central Java. One significant dismissal involved a unit head whose kitchen is suspected of causing food poisoning among 693 students and 14 teachers at SMKN 6 Semarang.

However, food poisoning was not the sole reason for the mass dismissals. Sudaryono revealed that some unit heads faced disciplinary problems, including electronic fraud like phishing. He explained that these individuals were responsible for disbursing funds but falsely claimed scams, leading to the loss of money. BGN has suspended these operations and dismissed the responsible parties.

Sudaryono emphasized BGN's strict stance, declaring zero tolerance for food poisoning and corruption within the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program. He vowed to impose severe penalties on any unit head found to be involved in misconduct, including embezzlement and other corrupt practices. The agency aims to ensure the integrity and safety of the program for all beneficiaries.