Viral: School Principal in Salatiga Protests and Returns Free Nutritious Meals Due to Quality Concerns

A video showing a teacher refusing to accept Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) at a school in Salatiga City, Central Java, has gone viral on social media. The rejection occurred because the MBG menu was considered substandard.

In the viral video, a female teacher in brown uniform is seen sternly rebuking a nutritional services unit (SPPG) employee. “Take this back, I don’t want to accept it. This has happened repeatedly—first there were worms, what about the nutritionists? Then there were screws, what about the nutritionists? Now this. This is clearly shabby and poor quality,” the teacher said.

In the video, the teacher commented on the quality of oranges that are part of the MBG menu. “If my students got sick from being given rotten fruit like this, what would happen?” she said.

Additionally, the teacher commented on the MBG bread portion, which she assessed did not match its intended price. “I’ll take you to the factory in Sarirejo—I’m a trader and I know prices. How much does this cost there? 750 rupiah. Because I regularly buy from the Sarirejo factory. This costs 3,500 rupiah in the MBG programme, but only 750 rupiah at Sarirejo,” she said.

She then questioned the role of nutritionists at the relevant SPPG. “What’s the point of having nutritionists?” she asked.

The teacher added that parents of students at her school had already complained about the MBG menu to teachers. “Today teachers complained to me. That’s why I was angry this morning,” she said.