Jakarta. The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has suspended new registrations for food service providers, or SPPG, under its flagship Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program after thousands of food poisoning cases were linked to the initiative

BGN head Dadan Hindayana said the registration freeze, now entering its second month, was intended to verify applicants’ readiness and ensure stricter oversight.

“Registration of BGN partners is only conducted through our website at Mitra.BGN.go.id. Each applicant must undergo verification and feasibility testing before being appointed,” Dadan said on Monday.

Approved providers receive government decrees appointing SPPG heads, with two officials assigned to oversee financial management. Each unit is allocated Rp400 million to Rp450 million ($25,000–$28,000) in operational funds, disbursed within 10 days via a state-owned bank account.

Dadan warned that while safeguards exist against budget misuse, food safety remains the greatest concern. “There are two very big risks in this program: budget misuse and digestive disorders among beneficiaries. The most worrying is foodborne illness,” he said.

Food poisoning linked to the program has surged in recent weeks. By Sept. 22, BGN recorded 4,711 affected beneficiaries, while the Health Ministry reported 5,207, the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) cited 5,320, and civil society groups estimated 5,360 cases.

The latest incident occurred in Cipongkor District, West Bandung Regency, West Java, where 301 students suffered vomiting, nausea, and dizziness after consuming program meals.

According to the Presidential Staff Office, of 1,379 service providers, only 312 fully met food safety protocols. Just 34 of 8,583 providers had secured official hygiene and sanitation certification from the Health Ministry. Authorities have urged stronger enforcement and called on community health centers to conduct regular inspections.

“Such things make me nervous every day,” Dadan said, recounting a case in Garut where side dishes were delivered before rice was fully cooked, leading to spoiled food. He said most outbreaks occurred at new SPPGs still adjusting to operational standards, while supplier changes at older units also contributed to problems.

To address the issue, BGN has appointed a deputy head to oversee food safety and will form an investigation team and a prevention task force.

Despite the setbacks, the nutritious meal program remains a flagship initiative of President Prabowo Subianto. Deputy Finance Minister Suahasil Nazara said Rp13 trillion has been disbursed this year, reaching 22.7 million beneficiaries. The government aims to expand coverage to 82.9 million people by the end of 2025.