Viral Dance Video Aftermath: Hendrik, MBG Mitra in Batujajar, Issues Clarification

Hendrik Irawan, the manager of the kitchen for the Nutritious Meals Service Unit (SPPG) in Pangauban Village, Batujajar Subdistrict, West Bandung Regency, West Java, has provided clarification regarding the controversy stemming from a video he previously uploaded to social media. A few days ago, Hendrik posted content featuring a dance on his personal account. In the video, he also displayed an income of Rp6 million per day as a partner in the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme, which drew criticism from netizens. In his clarification, Hendrik expressed an apology for the disturbance that occurred. “I apologise to the netizens for the commotion. There was no intention to hurt or offend anyone,” Hendrik stated in a video he produced on Wednesday (25/3). He also apologised to President Prabowo Subianto and relevant parties for the polemic that arose. Hendrik emphasised that the Rp6 million daily incentive does not come from the children’s meal allocation but is an official part of the programme run in collaboration with the government. According to Hendrik, the funds are not net profit but reimbursement for operational costs that he has personally incurred. He added that from the outset, building the SPPG kitchen required an investment of around Rp3.5 billion from personal funds, covering the land and supporting facilities. “We built this kitchen from empty land with personal funds, not directly from the government,” he explained. Hendrik also stressed that the Rp6 million incentive calculation applies only for 24 working days in a month, so he has not yet reached the break-even point. “So to the netizens, if there are any words or statements that hurt you, wherever they may be, I apologise, especially as this is still the Lebaran atmosphere,” he said. He assured that the quality of food in the MBG programme remains maintained, without any reduction in portions or quality. “The Pangauban SPPG is capable of providing very good quality, able to deliver high-quality standards,” he stated. At the end of his video, Hendrik invited the public to attend a free meal event to be held on 27 March at the Pangauban SPPG, with the aim of demonstrating the food quality provided directly. “Anyway, for the netizens, I hope you can come to our SPPG for free meals,” Hendrik explained.