BGN clarifies menu of fried catfish and marinated tempeh in viral MBG programme in Pamekasan

Jakarta (ANTARA) — Indonesia’s National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has clarified a viral video showing a menu from the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) Programme at a school in Pamekasan Regency, East Java, on Monday (9 March) comprising fried catfish and marinated tempeh.

BGN Deputy Head Nanik Sudaryati Deyang explained that, based on field reports, the meal package prepared by the Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG) actually consisted of several menu components: marinated catfish, braised tofu and tempeh, pizza bread, boiled eggs, full-cream milk, and dragon fruit.

“Based on the reports we received, the menu prepared by SPPG was actually complete. However, in the circulating video, only part of the menu was visible because the school refused to remove the meal package from the distribution vehicle,” said Nanik in Jakarta on Tuesday.

She explained that the circulating video showed only part of the menu, creating an incomplete perception of the food prepared by SPPG Pamekasan Pademawu Buddagan.

“The MBG Programme places food safety and nutritional quality as a top priority. We continue to monitor and evaluate to ensure that the entire food preparation and distribution process meets the standards that have been set,” Nanik said.

Meanwhile, nutritionist at SPPG Pamekasan Pademawu Buddagan Fikri Kuttawakil explained that the use of marinated catfish in the MBG menu was based on nutritional and food security considerations.

“Why did we use marinated catfish? First, to prevent the loss of nutrients in the catfish and to add protein for that day. When marinated, catfish can also remain fresh for up to one day,” said Fikri.

SPPG Pamekasan Pademawu Buddagan serves a total of 3,329 beneficiaries, consisting of secondary school students, junior secondary school students, early childhood and kindergarten pupils, special needs students, educators, as well as pregnant women, nursing mothers, and infants in the region.