TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Government Communication Agency (Bakom RI) denies that the government is trying to control rallies in support of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program. This counter-demonstration comes amid widespread student protests in various regions calling for an end to the MBG project.
"Regarding the allegation of government conditioning towards the demonstration supporting MBG, I think that's not true," said Acting Deputy III for Partnership and Media Relations of Bakom RI, Kurnia Ramadhana, at the Bakom Office, Central Jakarta, Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
Kurnia explained that, based on Indonesia's laws and regulations, everyone is allowed to express their opinions. People have the right to express their opinions, whether they support or criticize government policies.
"The government respects both sides," said Kurnia.
This former researcher at Indonesia Corruption Watch stated that the government is currently attempting to improve the governance of the MBG program. "Basically, what the government is currently doing is trying to improve itself in the free nutritious meal program, while improvements are made by the new leadership of the National Nutrition Agency," said Kurnia.
Rallies supporting MBG in Jakarta took place on Monday, June 22, 2026. The masses marched from Gambir to the Arjuna Wijaya Statue, Central Jakarta. They unfurled banners expressing support for MBG. They also brought the Indonesian flag and several posters protesting the termination of the MBG project.
Some protesters admitted to receiving around Rp50,000 to Rp100,000 per person to participate in the rally. When asked about the payment to the protesters, Kurnia did not respond. "That's all for now," he said.
On the other hand, Kurnia also refused to comment on the issue of Muhammad Abdimaludin, the Chair of the Faculty of Law Student Executive Board at Bung Karno University, who received money to condition the "Indonesia Reshape" protest on Monday, June 15, 2026. Abdimaludin admitted to receiving Rp20 million from a police officer to change the protest site.
"I'll answer about the MBG demo allegations, yes. Allegedly, it was steered by the government and so on. I'll answer that," said Kurnia.
Read: Prabowo Claims He Knows Who Funds Demonstrations Against Him
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