Government Communications Body Denies Orchestrating Pro-MBG Demonstrations: 'That's Not True!'

The Government Communications Body (Bakom RI) has dismissed accusations that the government is behind demonstrations supporting the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme. Acting Deputy for Partnership and Media Relations at Bakom RI, Kurnia Ramadhana, said the government always listens to and respects the voice of the public, including those who agree with or reject the MBG programme. “I think my earlier explanation can already respond to the allegation that there was conditioning by the government regarding the demonstration supporting MBG. I think that is not true because the government’s position is to respect every public opinion, both those in favour and those against,” Kurnia told reporters at the Bakom RI Office in Central Jakarta on Wednesday, 24 June 2026. The statement serves as the government’s official denial of the narrative that actions supporting the MBG programme were mobilised or facilitated by certain parties linked to the government. According to Kurnia, the government does not differentiate its treatment of groups that support or criticise state policy. He emphasised that the freedom to express opinions is a constitutional right guaranteed by legislation. “Both opinions that agree with the policy and those that criticise government policy. The government’s position respects both parties,” he said. Kurnia stated that the government’s current focus remains on improving the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals Programme, which is currently under public scrutiny. “In essence, what the government is currently doing is trying to improve itself regarding the free nutritious meals programme, while improvements are also being carried out by the new leadership of BGN,” Kurnia said.