Eka Yudha Saputra, Jakarta – The Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) of Indonesia, Dadan Hindayana, denied reports claiming his institution had offered Rp5 million to members of the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) for creating positive promotional videos about the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program.
"That matter is beyond my authority because I never made such a policy," Dadan said at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday, October 29, 2025.
He explained that while SPPG units are encouraged to be active on social media, their content should mainly focus on daily meal menus and updates about the program.
According to Dadan, such activity serves as a form of public transparency.
"That's all there is to it. We only asked them to be more active," he said.
Earlier, BGN Deputy Head Nanik Sudaryati Deyang stressed the importance of quick and accurate public communication to maintain the institution's credibility amid the spread of misinformation online.
"We must not be slower than hoaxes. Regional and area coordinators must become sources of official information and respond quickly to clarify issues on the ground," Nanik said during a coordination meeting for the implementation of the MBG program's technical guidelines in Jakarta on Monday, October 27, 2025.
During the same event, Nanik mentioned a potential Rp 5 million "reward" for regional officers who successfully produce positive and viral content about the program.
She argued that the rise of negative narratives around the initiative stemmed from slow responses by local implementers, urging them to be more proactive in spreading accurate information.
However, the BGN later clarified that the remark was not to be taken literally. The agency's Head of Legal and Public Relations, Khairul Hidayati, said Nanik's statement was made in a light-hearted tone and intended as motivation for participants.
"The comment about a Rp5 million incentive was not an official decision, but a joke meant to encourage creativity in promoting positive messages about the MBG program," Khairul said in Jakarta on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.
Khairul emphasized that there is no official policy or program from the BGN regarding cash rewards for viral content.
She explained that the agency merely aims to encourage regional implementers to communicate effectively with the public and swiftly counter hoaxes related to the MBG program.
– Dinda Shabrina contributed to the writing of this article.