SPPG Employee Who Mocked Free Nutritious Meal Victims Fired

An employee of the Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG) in Bantul has gone viral after mocking victims of food poisoning from the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme in Karo, North Sumatra. The employee has now been dismissed.

“We regret the existence of such statements. After handling the matter in accordance with regulations, the individual concerned has been terminated,” said the Regional Coordinator of the National Nutrition Agency (Bands) DIY, Wirandita Gagat Widyatmoko, in a statement reported on Monday (21/9/2026).

Gagat continued that the decision is part of an effort to maintain standards of behaviour, ethics, and professionalism across all levels involved in the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme.

“This serves as a lesson for all personnel that working within the MBG Programme requires not only technical competence but also ethics, empathy, sensitivity, and responsibility in communication,” he said.

According to Gagat, every incident related to food safety must be a collective concern. Therefore, when members of the public or beneficiaries are suspected to be affected, all personnel must prioritise humanity, empathy, and mutual respect, rather than turning such incidents into subject matter for jokes or mockery.

Gagat also emphasised that the incident should serve as a collective lesson, rather than being viewed merely as an individual issue.

“Do not let one person’s behaviour erase the good work of many. Let us take this as a lesson. Work correctly, communicate well, and maintain empathy. We are here to provide service to the community, not to demean others,” he stated.

Furthermore, Gagat reminded all SPPG personnel to be cautious when using social media or making statements in public spaces. Any statement made by SPPG personnel can influence public perception of the implementation of the MBG Programme as a whole.