Behind the Viral MBG Partner Video: Facts on Major Investment and Incentive Scheme for Nutrition Programme

Is it true that partners in the Free Nutritious Meals programme receive a fantastic incentive without transparency? Why has a viral video triggered public misunderstandings about the national nutrition fulfilment programme?

Viral MBG Dance Video Sparks Polemic on Government Programme Incentives

The viral video of Hendrik Irawan, a partner in the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme, has ignited controversy after a narrative claiming a Rp6 million daily incentive drew public criticism.

Hendrik Irawan explained that the incentive is part of the technical guidelines from the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) to all managers of Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG).

He stated that the funds are not personal assistance but a form of operational appreciation for partners who build kitchen facilities according to government programme standards.

MBG Kitchen Infrastructure Investment Reportedly Reaches Rp3.5 Billion Privately

Hendrik stated that he built the MBG kitchen from the ground up using personal funds without government financing to ensure operational readiness for the nutrition fulfilment programme.

According to Hendrik Irawan, the MBG SPPG partner in Pangauban, the investment in building the kitchen reached Rp3.5 billion for a facility of nearly 1,000 square metres.

“It should be known that I built the SPPG from empty land, I built it without using government money,” said Hendrik in his clarification on Tuesday (24/03/2026).

He added that the Rp6 million incentive is only given for 24 operational days per month, so it has not yet covered the initial investment that has been spent.

Hendrik expressed an apology to the public because the circulating dance video has caused negative perceptions of the government’s MBG programme.