BGN Says Much of the Negative Reporting About the Ramadan MBG Menu Is a Hoax

Semarang, REPUBLIKA.CO.ID — Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, Deputy Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), lamented the sheer volume of “attacks” on the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) menu during Ramadan. She asserted that among the rumours circulating about the MBG menu, most are hoaxes.

“Mr Zul (Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan), we report that recently, since the fasting month began, we have been hit hard, especially on the issue of the menu. And not all of what is circulating is true; most are hoaxes,” Nanik said during a coordination meeting (rakor) on MBG implementation held at the Gradhika Bakti Praja Building, Central Java Governor’s Office Complex, Semarang, on Tuesday (3 March 2026).

The rakor was attended by Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan, Head of BGN Dadan Hindayana, Abdul Mu’ti, Minister of Education and Culture and, historically, Research and Technology (Mendikdasmen), and Minister for Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA) Arifah Fauzi. The Governor of Central Java, Ahmad Luthfi, and regional heads from 35 regencies/cities in Central Java also participated in the meeting.

On that occasion, Nanik urged regents/mayors in Central Java to actively monitor MBG implementation in their respective areas, including the handling and presentation of MBG menus.

“So before they (the MBG menus) are uploaded (MBG menu), perhaps you could, during a Ramadhan safari, check in their kitchens whether this is true or not. This is to reduce and cool the atmosphere,” she said.