Hoax, BGN: Information About Student Deaths From Free Nutritious Meal Programme in Aceh Unfounded

Jakarta — The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has dismissed claims that a student died allegedly from poisoning related to the Free Nutritious Meal Programme (MBG) at a Nutrition Service Provision Unit (SPPG) in Bireuen District, Aceh, as unfounded or hoax.

Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, Deputy Head of BGN, when contacted via short message in Jakarta on Monday, emphasised the importance of the public exercising caution and verifying information on social media further rather than immediately believing unverified claims.

“That’s a hoax. Be careful not to believe it straightaway,” Nanik stated.

Nanik indicated that the agency continues to improve the governance of the MBG Programme by temporarily suspending or closing down SPPGs that have been proven to cause food poisoning incidents.

Previously, a video circulated widely on social media platform X in which a user narrated that two students had died from MBG food poisoning involving meatball menu items at the Simpang Mamplam SPPG in Bireuen District. The video showed police officers sealing off the MBG kitchen due to having caused poisoning. However, BGN has confirmed that there were no deaths as portrayed in the video.

BGN continues to strengthen collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Digital Technology (Kemkomdigi) to counter hoax and misinformation related to the MBG Programme.

“The MBG Programme concerns the wider public interest, so circulating information must be accurate and verifiable. We are working with Kemkomdigi to ensure the digital space remains free from hoax and misinformation,” said Khairul Hidayati.

He noted that the collaboration with Kemkomdigi focuses not only on clarifying issues but also on building an early detection system for potential dissemination of false information across various digital platforms. This approach is undertaken through strengthened coordination, media monitoring, and enhanced public digital literacy.