BGN Says Remark on Incentive for Free Meals Positive Coverage Was "Just a Joke"

October 28, 2025 | 02:49 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Nutrition Body (BGN) has clarified the remarks about the Rp5 million incentive for public kitchens that successfully create positive and viral content for the free nutritious meal program, or MBG.

Head of Legal and Public Relations Bureau of BGN, Khairul Hidayati, said the agency's deputy head made the remarks in an informal and joking manner. BGN Deputy Head, Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, conveyed the statement during the Coordination and Socialization Meeting for the Implementation of the MBG Program on Monday, October 27, 2025, in Jakarta.

"The remark on Rp5 million incentive was not an official decision, but rather just a joke meant to motivate the participants to be more creative in disseminating positive information about the MBG program," said Hida in Jakarta on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.

According to Hida, there has been no official policy from BGN regarding incentives for creating positive coverage for the free meal program. The joke, Hisa said, was meant to encourage regional implementers to actively build a healthy and swift counter to hoaxes about the MBG program.

"BGN remains committed to implementing all policies in accordance with state budget provisions and mechanisms. The joke was intended to inspire the participants to valiantly and creatively present educational and inspirational content on social media," said Hidayati.

BGN also emphasized that the agency fully supports transparent and effective public communication related to the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal Program across all Indonesian regions. This effort includes capacity building for Regional Coordinators (Kareg) and Area Coordinators (Korwil), including training on credible information creation.

"We appreciate the spirit of the SPPG Heads in spreading positive information about the MBG. BGN will continue to ensure that all public messages are conveyed in accordance with official guidelines and can be held accountable," said Hidayati.

Previously, Deputy Head of BGN, Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, stated that fast and accurate public communication is key to maintaining the institution's credibility amidst the deluge of misinformation on social media. "We must not be slower than hoaxes. Regional coordinators and area coordinators must be official sources of information and quickly clarify issues in the field," said Nanik when opening the Coordination and Socialization Meeting for the Implementation of the MBG Program in Jakarta, Monday, October 27, 2025.

On that occasion, Nanik stated that there would be a Rp5 million incentive for regional implementers who successfully create positive and viral content about the free nutritious meals program.

Nanik believes that the abundance of negative news about MBG arises due to the lack of quick responses from regional implementers. She emphasized that BGN's regional coordinators must be at the forefront in the dissemination of educational information.

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