Free Nutritious Meal Programme Twisted into 'Mas Bahlil Ganteng', Bahlil: Oh Dear, What a Mess

The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlith Lahadalia, is irritated that the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme is being parodied as ‘Mas Bahlil Ganteng’ (Handsome Mas Bahlil) on social media. Speaking before members of HIPMI, Bahlil asserted that MBG is a noble programme and should not be used as material for jokes.

Bahlil made these remarks while attending the 18th National Congress (Munas) of the Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (HIPMI) in Lampung on Wednesday (10/06/2026). In his speech, Bahlil specifically addressed the distortion of the MBG term that has been trending on social media.

“Lastly, MBG (free nutritious meals) is a good thing, but I want to convey that it should not be twisted,” said Bahlil.

“MBG stands for nutritious food. Do not start saying ‘Bahlil is handsome’ again; oh, it is such a mess,” he continued.

Bahlil stated that the free nutritious meal programme must be supported collectively as it concerns the future of Indonesian children. He admitted to understanding the importance of the programme personally, having experienced hardship and suffered from malnutrition (kwashiorkor) in his youth.

“As a former child from a poor family who suffered from malnutrition, I say that this free nutritious meal programme is a noble programme,” he said.

The Chairman of the Golkar Party also requested all HIPMI members to assist in perfecting the MBG programme if any deficiencies are found during its implementation.

“If there are shortcomings, let us perfect them together. There is no need to blame one another. The duty of HIPMI members is to do exactly that,” Bahlil concluded.