BGN: It is untrue that a student in Pemalang was expelled for criticising the Free Nutritious Meals programme

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Regional Coordinator of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) for Central Java, Reza Mahendra, has affirmed that claims circulating about a student at SDN 01 Banjaranyar in Pemalang Regency being expelled from school because their parents criticised the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme are untrue. Reza emphasised that the information represents a misunderstanding that has been resolved by the school authorities. “The incident at SDN 01 Banjaranyar regarding a student being expelled for criticising MBG is not true. To date, no student has been expelled. The student remains enrolled. The issue has been resolved by the school through providing education to the student’s guardian regarding the MBG budget allocation, which was the guardian’s complaint,” Reza stated in an official release in Jakarta on Tuesday. In addition, the school, along with local authorities, has taken handling measures, including through the Examination Report (BAP) process. Meanwhile, the Satuan Pelayanan Pemenuhan Gizi (SPPG) Pemalang Randudongkal 2 has also conducted service evaluations, primarily focused on improving menu quality. Based on the chronology, the issue actually emerged as early as 27 January 2026 and gained traction again in mid-April 2026, with the narrative evolving into accusations of unilateral student dismissal. Social media discussions shifted focus from criticism of the Student Worksheet (LKS) to the MBG issue. Initial information stemmed from communication by the Village Guiding Non-Commissioned Officer (Babinsa) to the SPPG regarding the circulation of an old issue involving the student’s parents and the school. The problem originated from the parents’ criticism of several matters, such as the LKS, religious contributions, and the MBG programme. The school then summoned the student’s guardian for an explanation. However, after the meeting, the student in question did not return to school. The situation escalated after accusations surfaced on social media claiming bullying by the school. The school is said to have attempted to persuade the student and their parents to return, but without success. The case was then handed over to legal channels after resolution efforts through the education department yielded no results. During the investigation process, the SPPG stated that it has been monitoring the case since April 2026. The school has also coordinated with relevant departments and undergone examinations at the Pemalang Police Resort six times, with the primary focus on alleged bullying rather than criticism of MBG. On 2 May 2026, the school underwent another BAP at the Pemalang Police Resort. Subsequently, on 4 May 2026, the school met with legal representatives and related parties to continue the resolution process. To date, the case resolution process is ongoing with assistance from provincial-level legal counsel. The BGN reaffirms its commitment to continuously improving the quality of MBG services and ensuring the programme operates optimally in school environments. Meanwhile, the Principal of SDN 01 Banjaranyar, Sri Umbartiningsih, stated that students at her school show high enthusiasm for the MBG programme. “Students at our school are very enthusiastic about MBG. This is evidenced by students waiting when MBG is distributed. Students often ask to eat their absent friends’ MBG,” Sri said. The SPPG reaffirms its commitment to continuously improving services and ensuring the MBG programme runs optimally and on target in school environments. The SPPG Pemalang Randudongkal 2 began operations on 1 September 2025 and now serves 3,608 beneficiaries.