BGN Chief Speaks Out on Viral Hoax Claiming Prabowo Profits from Free Nutritious Meals

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has spoken out regarding a narrative circulating on social media about profit-sharing from the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme being directed to President Prabowo Subianto. BGN Head Nanik S Deyang stated that the information is a hoax and never originated from any official statement by herself or the agency. “I emphasise that the circulating narrative is untrue. I have never made a statement as contained in the messages spreading on social media or messaging applications,” Nanik said in a written statement, cited on Sunday (14/6/2026). Nanik said the circulating information is a form of disinformation that has the potential to mislead the public while triggering uproar in the public sphere. She noted that irresponsible parties often misuse the names of public officials to build certain narratives that are provocative and incite public reaction. Therefore, Nanik urged the public to be more cautious in receiving information, especially from social media and messaging applications. “The public needs to verify the truth of information through official sources. Do not easily believe or spread information of unclear origin, as it can cause misunderstandings within society,” she said. Nanik also stressed that all official information and statements from the BGN are only conveyed through the agency’s official communication channels, such as press releases, the official website, and verified social media accounts. Consequently, information circulating outside these official channels cannot be considered a valid reference. She reminded the public not to be easily provoked by content whose truth has not been verified. According to Nanik, a healthy digital space can only be realised if the public prioritises facts and checks information before disseminating it to others. Furthermore, Nanik affirmed that the BGN remains focused on carrying out the government’s tasks and mandate to make the MBG Programme a success, which is aimed at improving the nutritional quality of the community. The MBG Programme is one of the government’s priority programmes targeting various beneficiary groups, including schoolchildren, toddlers, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers. Therefore, Nanik hopes the public will not be influenced by information containing manipulative, provocative, or defamatory elements. “We invite the public to be wiser in digital media and to prioritise information verification. The BGN will continue to focus on carrying out its duties and service programmes to the community in accordance with the mandate given by the government,” Nanik concluded.